RAILWAYS TO CLOSE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 August 1930, Page 2

RAILWAYS TO CLOSE

SOUTH ISLAND LINES

(By-Telegraph—Per Press Association.!

WELLINGTON, August 8.

A further announcement regarding the closing of South Island branch railways, which previously had been indicated, but deferred, pending ah investigation into the local representations, was made to-day by tue Minister of Ralways (Hon. Air Veitch). “1 have previously mentioned the Government’s intention to close down certain non-paying lines in the South Island,” said the Minister, “and, as a result, 1 have received numerous representations from the districts concerned urging that the existing train services should be maintained or alternatively, that a restricted service be run. These representations have been carefully considered, but, with the traffic returns and operating costs before me, 1 can only conclude that heavy operating losses which are being borne by the consolidated revenue in respect to these lines, are out ni all proportion to the volume of traffic handled and the service given. Jn the absence of 'any guarantees to indemnify the Department against operating losses, it has been decided to close down these lines, as previously announced.

Questioned regarding the possibility of running restricted services, as an alternative to the complete closing of the lines, ‘ the Minister declared that this would practically nullify the object aimed at, namely, a definite curtailment in tne operating losses. “Maintenance charges,” he added, “represent a large proportion of the cost of operating. From the point of view of safety in working, it is necessary to maintain the same -standard of track maintenance whether a restricted or full service is run.

TEN SOUTH ISLAND LINES TO STOP. The Minister said: “The line from Oxford AVest to Sheffield, that from Kurow to Hakataramea, that, from Windsor to Tokarahi, and the Caps Foulwind branch line have already been closed. The Eyreton branch, the Mnssburn branch, and the TuatapereOrawai extension will be closed on the 23rd of August. In the case of certain other lines set down for closing, such as the Mt. Somers-Springburn line, the Heriot-Edievale line, and the Wyndham-Glenham line, these will be closed as soon as the Departmental arrangements in the way of transfers of staff and plant can be made, and, of course, to reasonable notice being given through the ress to the settlers concerned.”

“Similarly in the North Island,” added the Minister, “it is the intention to close down the Greytown branch ns soon as necessary arrangements are complete, The date of closing will be advised later, and a full opportunity will be given the residents to clear any goods in transit.” 1 ‘Some additional economies,” he said, are being considered in connection with other unprofitable lines, and the decisions thereon will be made public in every case before action is taken.”