N.Z. RAILWAYS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1923, Page 2

N.Z. RAILWAYS.

VISIT OF GENERAL MANAGER. MR R. MiYILLY AT HOKITIKA. .Mr It. McVilly, General Manager of Railways, paid a visit to Hokitika on Tuesday afternoon. Arriving about 2 p.m., by a special train with his officers, he went nil to Ross, returning to Hokitika at 1.15 p.m. At the ruilwnv station r Me\ illy met n local deputation of the County and Borough Councils and others.

Mr W. Jeffries (County Chairman) in opening the deputation, said there were three matters he wished to firing before Mr McVilly that afternoon. One was the extension of the line to I old Head. They hail the reply asking attention to bring the standard o! Ihe line to the requirements of the Department and the firm interested wore prepared to do so. It was not intended to carry passengers, only to use four wheeled trucks for rolling stock. The second request, was for an improvement of the service to Ross for the remainder of the period before through traffic-. Mr (f. A. Perry (Mayor of Hokitika) said they had had an informal arrangement in connection with the alterations to the Hokitika station and would like to confer with the 1 raflic Manager as to details required. Tn connection with accommodation lor timber traffic they would like an extension up Gibson ()uuy and would like to know if anything definite wenbeing done.

Mr R. Wild asked if it were possible for the Railways to charge as on a two section rate for passage of goods through the tunnel tili the whole line was under the Railways Department, pointing out how it affected long distance traffic.

Mr W. .1. Butler said provided it did not retard the progress of completion it would he more advantageous if only two sections were charged, and so save the outlying districts being handicapped. Mr 1). Stuart said it would he a great advantage if a loopline were extended up the river for timber loading pit rposes. Mr 1). J. Evans said the Returned Soldiers' mill which stacked in the station yard had notice to shift their skids and he hoped arrangements would he made for a branch line up the quiiv to give them loading space. Mr R. McVillv in reply said the Bold Head question rested on alterations to the line to lie made. M lien this was done to the satisfaction of his officers there would he no difficulty raised for tour wlieeld traffic. lu connection with the Ross ti-me-tnble the matter had been discussed at Ross and he had asked the traffic Manager to go into the matter ot giving an improved service without increasing the train mileage. In connection with the opening of the tunnel the through service would not commence lor at least three months.

Hokitika staiion request would receive attention. The Manager would confer with the local bodies and a private siding diseiissod with millers. Through railway rates were a matter of general policy and no alteration could be made to that laid down. The Returned Soldiers were given temporary occupation only and must giie possession when required. Mr Evans—They don't know where

to go! Mr McVillv continued that they would soon have to go and he would discuss their plight with Mi Kent. As soon as the tunnel was handed over they would get their goods through at the mileage rate. The less traffic while the contractors were at work, the sooner would the lino tie finished.

Mr Jeffries said at present the position was that they were anxious to see Hie line through a- soon as possible. Mr McVillv said the sending of goods through the tunnel would delay the work. I'ntil he received certificates that the drivers were capable to carrv passengers, none- would bo carried. He looked to it lreing early in August before passenger traffic would take place.

In reference to a suggestion to eonside r the necessity of increased timber storage capacity when the line was through, made by Mr Met illy, Mr Butler stated that the output of timber on the-Coast last year was 52 millions, while Canterbury would only absorb about 1.4 millions. After some further discussion, Mr Jeffries thanked Mr McVillv lor the opportunity given to meet him and discuss matters, and the deputation retired.