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Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1923, Page 2

The negotiations which went on last week with regard to the carriage of the settlers’ goods over the sawmill tramway south of It oss, evidently made definite headway towards obtaining the Ministerial sanction as to the actual permission to cater for the freight. This is a matter which rests with the Mines Department, because "the tramway is a right held under the Mining Act. As to obtaining railway rolling stock for the carriage of the goods, produce and cattle, that is another question, and is in the hands of the Railway Department. The Department it appears has a rule which will not permit its trucks or vans to run on other than approved lines. This is a safety first rule, and is not likely to Ik* departed from. The reason for this is that if a ear. truck or van were unduly strained on a private line and taken on to the Government line unnoticed, there would be the liability of an accident when possible travelling at a greater speed. The liability to straining or other injury would not Ik* so probable on a standard-built Government line as it would on a privatelv constructed tramway built for a special industrial purpose. It would

of course have all the strength required for the particular purpose it was intended for, but the mode of construction might not lie suitable or adaptable to the Government rolling stock, which might bo affected by the curves or even the rough ballacting of the line. In these circumstances ttie Government officers point out any bond or indemnity would not actually cover the position and the only way to meet tho essential requirements is for the line to be brought up to a standard which will he acceptable in relation to the Government standard. These requirements might entail considerable cost, so that it remains to be seen what will result when n particular inspection of the line is made by the departmental officers. The convenience of the transport will be a great boon to the settlers and will be of service to the main road which over a short but soft length of road would be relieved of considerable traffic The settlers have been looking forward to a satisfactory arrangement being reached, and it is to he hoped a position will be reached satisfactory to all.