MAIN TRUNK SERVICES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 249, 15 July 1919, Page 5

MAIN TRUNK SERVICES

« — WHY NOT THROUGH SERVICES.ON . ■ ALTERNATE DAYS? ~. At the monthly "meeting of the council of the Wellington Central Chamber of Commerce,' held yesterday, Mr. Lionel Nelson moved,- and Mr. W. Cotton seconded:—' "That the council communicate with the Minister of Railways, suggesting that conservation'of coal might be effected with less dislocation of passengers and goods service by reinstalling mail trains; to run on alternate days only, the intermediate days being devoted to maintenance, of, goods service as efficient as possible under the circumstances." Mr. Nelson also drew attention to., the increased steamer services, and suggested how they could be cut down "if the coal question was really at tho bottom of the trouble." He drew attention to the recommissioning of . the Pateena for the Wellirigton-Onehunga run, rind said that she would probably burn as much coal i.i-, one retnm trip as a Main Trunk express would in a week. Mr. W. J. Gaudin pointed out that steamers could burn coal that was practically slack, whilst railway engines could only burn screened coal. Mr. Nelson mentioned that ho was sure that the most was not being mado out of tho railways, and that if ■ tho daily services were cut 'out in favour of through alternate services, a better service would result, and a saving of coal would be effected. The motion, as amended, was passed.