RAIL SERVICE TO WAIROA

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 141, 1 July 1937, Page 6

RAIL SERVICE TO WAIROA

Wellington Joutney in llj Hours DEPARTMENT'S PLANS An express train service between Wellington and Wilroa, a distance oi 270 miles, 11$ hrurs is what is pro.posed by the Bailways Department, according to a statement made by the Minister of Bailways, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, made when at the official opening of the - Mohaka Viaduct yesterday. "In bringing the Napier-Wairoa portion of the railway into operation," said Mr. Sullivan, "it is the desire of the Government that train services should be so arranged as t* give the most convenient\ trains and train connections for residents throughout an area now being brought for the first time into directf railway connection with the North Island main line and branches. With this end in view the Bailway Department has drawn up tentative schedules both for a . temporary service until such time as the necessary railcars are available and also for a full service when the line through from Napier to Wairoa and Waikokopu has been opened and railcars are available. "This tentative schedule (also provides for suitable road motOr ^connection s with Gisborne from Wairoa , until such time as the Wairoa-Gisborne section of the line is completed. In order to ensure that all ^settlements and' interests in the districts concerned; have an adequate opportunity to con;snlt and decide., what is most suitable jin the tentative timetables prepared for their transport requirements, Mr. Mackley will consult with local authorities and others- along the route Qf the railway before a decision is made regard;ing the actual timetable to be adopted. : "It is desired in the meantime to give an express train connection from Wairoa to Wellington, 270 miles, in about 31$ hou'rs and from Wellington to Wairoa in the same time, then by road motor to Gisborne, making the through time from Wellington to Gisborne 14 hours for a total distance of 328 miles. The time of Ihe expresses between Wairoa and Napier will be about 3$ hours. Daily goods trains will also be provided each way between Napier, Wairoa and Kaikdkopu. "When railcars are available, probably early ip Ihe new year, the trip between Gisborne and Wellington can be done in 13 hours, using railcars on the Napier-Wairoa-Nuhaka portion of the line. TentatiVe proposals also provide for a night passenger service by steam train leaving Wairoa at 8.30 p.m. and arriving at Wellington- at 7 a.m. next morning, and in the opposite direction for a passenger steam train leaving Wellington at 7.15 p.m. and arriving at Wairoa at 6 a.m. A special combination slceping and da'y car will be provided on each qf these services.