THE RAILWAY SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 247, 12 July 1919, Page 8

THE RAILWAY SERVICE

AND SHORTAGE OF COAL SEDUCED CONSUMPTION URGED (By Telegraph-Special Correspondent.) Palmerston North, July 11. :A large and representative conference Df-delegates from chambers of commerce, local bodies, and business interests .was held at Palmerston North to-day to discuss the railway "cut." entailed by the coal shortage. Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., who presided, pointed out that tho Government was passing through a critical period, and •they wished to see if they could help the Government. The position was, however, very acute, and ho felt with others that they should take some action if necessary. He took it that Palmerston North would agree to further restrictions In the passenger service. A number of settlers were unable to get ready for the season, and build milking sheds. On account of their inability to I'tocure timber, sawmills were having to close down, and the hemp industry ■was being affected. The railways had refused to carry a. largo consignment of new hemp, with the result that a ship Lad to sail without.it. Unless something were done unemployment would be universal. The house shortage question needed alleviating, but through the shortage of timber which the Government would not carry, building was being hung •iip. Mr. Nash then moved: "That in the opinion of this conference the present railway facilities are most unsatisfactory. That, a deputation wait on the ActingPrimo Minister, and the Ministers of Agriculture, Supplies, and Railways, with a view of urging them' to carry essentials on the railways, so as not to hamper industry, and to prevent the dosing of industries, thoreby causing unemployment."

The motion was seconded by Mr. G. J. Harford, Mayor of Peilding, who said that, there must bo something more than coal behind the railway situation on account of the way they were running the railways. Tho speaker was Viot altogether satisfied that there was.such an acute shortage of coal in tho Dominion as some peoplo tried to make out. If the Government put ships on they could get coal. .Mr. E. H. Crabb moved: "That in view of the serious loss caused to Ihe country, and the danger, of an 'absolute, paralysis to industry caused by the present state of the railway service, this meeting considers that further efforts bhould be made to economise consumption, and specially recommends that the passenger service bo further restricted, and that national regulations be framed to restrict lighting and tramway services." Mr. Crnbb went on to point out that they were faced with a cessation of tho ilaxmill industry and many other local industries unless improved facilities' were granted on the railways. The passenger traffic might very well be further curtailed. The Government wore not to blame, neither were the miners. It was caused owing to a shortage of men (miners), who had gone to the war and not returned. Mr. Crabb's motion was seconded by Mr. H. Seifert, who urged that they should reduco the consumption of coal in directions which would least of all affect the country. Both motions were then carried, a.s was also a further motion urging Government action in tho direction of improving housing and other conditions nt the mines. Another motion was ndonted, calling upon the Minister of Munitions'to make a public declaration as to what steps were being taken to relieve ihe situation. Speaking in this connection, Mr. T. It. Hodder, who took the Government to task for not. having given ihe country a national' warning, and for (heir neglect to give tho people a lead -with regard to economy of coal, said that Ml were apparently agreed that tho present motto should'be, "Goods first, .passengers last." A very good saving could be affected right through' New Zealand if the people were given a lead. As regards passenger traffic, this could bo discouraged by the Government refusing to increase the size of trains'at present being run, and by an increase of'tho faros. Nationalisation of mines and colliers did not find general support with delegates, a motion proposing this measure being defeated on the voices. After iv short discussion, it was decided, on tho motion of Mr. ,T. M. Johnston, to urge that the Government take immediate' steps to snag tho Mokau River in order to permit a large deposit of coal to bo taken out to supply the ports between' New Plymouth and Foxton. It was also'decided to urge that, the imposition of the extra 3s. freight on Newcastle coal on the railways be removed. The delegates will meet ihe Ministers at Wellington at 2 p.m. on Wednesday.