RETURN TRAIN RESERVATIONS

Grey River Argus, 7 April 1948, Page 2

RETURN TRAIN RESERVATIONS

It is possible for rail travellers wishing to book return seats to secure their seat numbers before commencing their journey. ’ In the case of North Island travel, application should be made at least five days in advance. The Railways Commercial Agent at Christchurch, Mr P. C. Bennett, has informed the Westland Progress League of this position following representations made on complaints of long delays in securing seat numbers, particularly in Christchurch and Wellington. It will still be necessary for travellers to call at the booking station before commencing their journey, to secure the seat nuffibers. RAIL-CAR SERVICES Following representations made by Mr J. B. Kent, M.P., the Acting-Minis-ter of Railways, the Hon. F. Hackett, has stated that members of the Westland Progress League need have no apprehension regarding the probable life of the rail-cars used on the West Coast services. “With reference to your personal representations concerning rail-cars at nresent operating services on the West Coast, I have to advise you that the rail-car which took fire near Poerua last year is at present being rebuilt in the Department’s workshops at Addington. I cannot at the moment give you any indication of the likely date that the rail-car will ho ready for service again”, stated the Minister. “With regard to the reference bv the Westland District Progress League, to the breakdowns which have occurred to rail-cars, these have been brought to my notice, and I teel sure you will agree that. such happenings are more or less inseparable from any mode of transport. “The officers of my Department do everything possible to maintain the rail-cars at a high standard of efficiency, but are faced with shortages of spare parts owing to the inability of British manufacturers to maintain regular supplies”, Mr Hackett added