RAILWAY ACCOMMODATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1923, Page 2

RAILWAY ACCOMMODATION.

Tho necessity for enlarging tiic Hokitika, railway station has been a pressing one for a long time. There is not adequate room for loading timber, and as that is tho chief commodity tor export, and the principal source of income for the railways, it might be thought that tho Department would eater for the trade—which must bo very lucrative, seeing that all the Department has to do is to pick up the loaded trucks, or deposit the empty trucks for loading. However, the Department enjoys a comfortable monopoly in transporting timber, and is in a position to make its own terms, which it does in rather a dogmatic way. The millers loading timlier at Hokitika station have increased numerically of late, and there has been a good deal of competition for available sites. The Diggers’ mill tit Woodstock had temporary skid accommodation in the railway yard, but lias now been invited to “move on.” Other millers have taken French leave and have dumped their timber for export on the streets—and being a good natured community no one has complained. The millers have cut and contrived to use up the loading spaces about the waterfront to tiie best advantage—till nothing 'remains, and so millers have had to seek for other openings for skid sites. The matter has been debated earm.stir. yet- fruitlessly, over a long term. Wold Street- was suggested first, but finally Gibson Quay upper, came into favour, and it is in relation to that proposal that a concrete oiler has now been made by the Railway Department to the millers. The oiler is intimated as follows: — “The only satisfactory arrangement for the provision of skid sites (for Hokitika.) is the construction of> a siding on Gibson Quay, with skid sites thereon, and an interchanging siding to and from which wagons can lie delivered and received by the Department. The sawmillers will be required to receive and deliver wagons at the interchange siding (which is is expected will be up the Quay at almut the intersection of Sale Street).

“The alternative to this is the loading of the timber at the station sidings in the ordinary way (that is, it'om dray or lorry to truck) as tho Department cannot provide skid sites on its own property. “The Department will agree to the construction of. and to work, a siding on Gibson Quay on the following terms;— “Term, 10 years; Cost—The whole first cost- and cost- of maintenance to be borne by the applicants who shall make all necessary arrangements with the local authorities, and others for way leave etc. Construction —The siding to be constructed to a standard approved by tbo Railway Department, and to be suitable for the running of main lino engines from Hokitika station, ti and including the inter-change siding. Rental and Shunting Charges— Tim Rail wav Department considers it would lie best in Hie interests of those concerned that a Company or Association of Sawmillers should be formed to construct Hie proposed branch siding, and in connection with tho working of the siding would prefer to deal with such Company or Association, all traffic being delivered to and received from the suggested Company. “The Department will be prepared t-o deal individually with the sawmillers if they cannot form the suggested Company or prefer to deal independently witli the Department.

“The- Railway Department is prepared to work the siding and to give and take delivery at the interchange siding on the following terms:— “Rental— One rental of £SO a year to a Companv, or Association of sawmillers"; or a rental of £25 a year to each miller, if each is to be dealt wild individually. “Shunting Charge—A shunting cliargo of Is for each loaded 4-whecl waggon, or 2s for each bogie waggon. ‘‘Agreement—The Company or each miller to enter into a. private siding Agreement embodying tho ordinary conditions. THE WHARF SKIDS.

“Tho Department will continue to work the timber traffic at Ihe skids on Hie siding leading to the wharf on Hie following conditions “Siding rental of £25 a year to be (laid by each user of a skid site. A shunting charge of Is for each 4-wheel waggon, and 2s for each bogie waggon taken to or from tbo skid sites. “A private siding agreement to be entered into for a term of 5 years by each user of a. skid site. “The Railway Department will not agree to suggested private sidings at Sea View or south end of Hokitika In idge.” The revised estimate of the cost of Hie 10 E.B. waggon exchange loop is £1730; and for a 30 E.B. waggon loop, £2140. The motor shed on the Quay at Uollcston St. junction to be moved bv the millers at their expense.