GOODS ON RAILWAYS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 261, 31 July 1919, Page 6

GOODS ON RAILWAYS

BUSINESS MEN'S PROPOSAL

COAL SURPLUS STILL SHORT

A scheme similar to that adopted in Christchurch for tho control of railway traffic iby a committee uf business men was proposed to tho General Manager of Railways by a deputation from the Wellington Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Mr. M. A. Carr,'president of the chamber, said that the purpose of the members of the deputation in coming to Mr. M'Villy was to ascertain if possible what the chances were of an early resumption of the ordinary time-table. If this could not be given, then it was suggested that a committee of representatives of trades and'industries should bo set'up for the purpose of assisting tho Department to utilise the goods accommodation on the trains in the best interests of the commuuitv in general. It was pointed out that under present conditions, where certain goods were declared essential and others non-essential, anomalies were likely to occur, and* it was not wise to causo stagnation of trade in particular industries which was likely to react generally.. All trades and industries should bear their fair share of the slackening which the circumstance) compel. Instances-were also cited of con-siderable-hardship to contractors ot buildings in course of erection, their workmen, and those employed in industries which were not on the essential list. , , .., Mr. M'Villy in reply expressed Ms appreciation of the offer of the Wellington Chamber, and said that his Department would be very glad of tho assistmice promised, but intimated that tincommittee set up must necessarily represent all branches of. trade and !'industry, as well as having representatives from the outlying districts, more particularly the Wairarapa and Manawatu. He would be prepared . to placo at their service the assistance of ti.o railway officers. In the course of his remarks, Mr. M'Villy gave some interesting information to the deputation as to the position of the Eaihray Department in.the matter of hard coal. Although fair quantities of lignite coal were often in sight, it was not suitable for the railways, which required hard coal. With respect to overseas coal, although considerable tonnage might be in sight, on paper,'a considerable quantity of it never materialised. At all events, the Eaihray Department's position had not improved in any way. He stated that when the cut in the servico was made, the total quantity of hard coal in hand was 12,400 tons. The quantity on 'baud at the commencement of this week was 8900 tons. The cut in the train service reduced the weekly consumption of hard coal by 2300 tons, and yet the stocks were being steadily depleted, notwithstanding that the consumption was over 50 per cent. Tf'r. Carr thanked Mr. M'Villy for the courteous reception of the deputation, and his agreement to the proposal of setting up a representative committee, and intimated that steps will be taken immediately in this direction. Later in tho day a deputation from the Wellington Central Chamber of Commerce and locah bodies met Mr. M'Villy with respect to'tho same matter This deputation also suggested the setting up of a committee. ■' Mr. M'Villy said that ho had already decided to do this, and ho had telegraphed to the Chambers of Commerce at Wanganui, Palmerston, Masterton, and Napier, asking them to co-operate with the Wellington people and the Railway Department in setting up this committee, as it was desirable that all should work together for the general seed. He suggested to Mr. C. M. Luke, who was tho chief spokesman of the deputation, that he and tho .members of his denutation should get. into touch with tho Wellington Chamber of Commerce, with whom l\p- (Mr. M'Villy) would communicate. Tn the evening Mr. M'Villy received odvice from the Napier Chamber of Commerce that tlier were hoMing a special meeting to deal with his communication.