CANTERBURY PROGRESS LEAGUE.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1923, Page 4

CANTERBURY PROGRESS LEAGUE.

TUNNED CHARGES. CHRISTCHURCH, May 22. At yesterday afternoon’s meeting of the Progress League’s District Railways Committee, the secretary of the League’s Westland Committee wrote regarding the Midland railway freight charges, and in the course of his letter stated:—“The matter was fully I discussed-at the committee meeting on Tuesday last, and strong exception was taken to tho proposal to impose three section charges on goods traffic. Mr Butler had prepared figures covering, various commodifies which clearly demonstrated the large impost which would he placed on goods traffic under the proposed three sectional rate. It is recognised that while the tunnel is under the joint control of the Railway and Public Works Departments, the tunnel itself must be considered a separate sections, but it is felt that the two approaching sections which are under the control of the Railway Department should, for freight purposes, ho considered one section only, thus reducing the number of terminal charges which form a large percentage of the freight charges. The matter is one which affects both Canterbury and Westland most seriously, and if the three sectional rate obtains, must also have the effect of reducing traffic to the ultimate loss of the Department.” A copy of the letter addressed by the Westland Committee to the General Manager of Railways was enclosed. It was as follows:—“It is reported that during the period the Arthur's Pass tunnel is under the joint control of your Department and the Public Works Department three sectional rates are to he charged for goods traffic between the East and West Coasts. It is considered that the effect of such charges will he to reduce goods traffic materially. and with a view to reducing charges 1 am directed to request that the two approaching sections at present under the control of the Railway Department he considered, for the purposes of freight, as one section, thus reducing the sections to two instead of three, and resulting in a. reduction of freight charges. The question of freights is one of great importance, both to importers and exporters. The proposed three sectional rate is causing

grave anxiety to nil concerned, resulting as it will in highly-increased costs. The matter is considered one of extreme urgency, and I am directed to request your immediate and favourable consideration of the suggested reduction.'’

The chairman (Mr H. .1. Marrinori said that an important phase of the question was 'the' threatened shortage of coal in Canterbury, owing to the strike' iu Australia. In the Heefton district there was a number of small coalmines which had had to shut down owing to difficulty in getting suitable freights, ami tin* owners were wailing For the opening' of the* tunnel to get their coal through to Canterbury. If they waited till the tunnel was i’oi - mally taken over by the Railway Department the winter would be over, ami they would not he able to get any relief. He suggested that the Department should he asked to consider the question of making two .sections instead of three. He moved: "That the Department he asked lo give full consideration (1) to making two sections, and (2) to arrange for the conveyance of coal through the tunnel as spoon as possible.”

Mr W. H. Nicholson seconded and remarked that it' was time that the Department realised that tin* inn. el was one of the safeguards against a coal shortage. Mr Climie suggested that the committee .should move carefully in the matter, otherwise the Public 'Works Department might withdraw the conce - sioii promised in re.spgct of the use ol the tunnel (before it is taken ever by the. Railway Department) for the :;ai,sporf of goods. Mr Nicholson .said it would lie n pity if each Donartimcnt considered itself a water-tight compartment when the matter was of .such importance to the community.

The Chairman thought that coal and limber should be brought through on two .•action rates. Mr W. Slringleman : \\ by should 1 heri* he t a n sections 'i Mr Climie: If we can bring the two Department; into line we, should he able to get a one-,sect inn rate. Mr ,\ii lioboii said lie v.tt.- of opinion Iluit. in the pre-cut circumstances the question of the earning percentage of the lino should mil: stand in the way. Mr IV. 0. Ennis -(assistant-district traffic manager) remarked that unless the railways mad.- a certain percentage there was a public outcry, lie did not hiuk that if the tunnel were opened for goods traffic I here' would be more coal from tins West. Const than at present. The chairman: Why-'

Mr Ennis: The miners won't v.wrk jnore Dinn four or five days in a week. Air .Stringleman said that they should press for goods traffic as soon as possible at one through rate. The chairman’s motion was agreed to in the following terms:—“That the Government he, asked to establish a through rate on the Midland line, and urged to allow goods traffic, especially coal, through the tunnel ns soon ns possible.”

The chairman suggested that tne Reef ton Chamber of Commerce should lie communicated with and asked il I col was available if through freights were available. Air Climie said Lliat. he understood that the Heefton coalmine owners were anxiously awaiting the opening of the tunnel. He undertook to make the enquiry suggested by the chairman.

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