Progress League Discusses Direct Freight Delivery

Lake County Mail, Issue 25, 12 November 1947, Page 6

Progress League Discusses Direct Freight Delivery

Direct delivery of freight by New Zealand Railways transport was discussed at a meeting of the Queenstown* Progress League held during the week when Messrs W. 11. Preston, District Traffic Manager, and J. S. H. Orr, of the New Zealand Railways Department, Invercargill, were introduced by Captain‘G. A. Herbert, of the local office, and welcomed by the League’s president, Mr James McDonald. Mr Preston stated that at present there were two freight truck services, one from Cromwell to Queenstown conveying all goods from the Otago Central line and the other from Lmnsden to Queenstown conveying urgent and perishable goods on days other than boat days. The speaker stated that it was the intention of the department to give a daily service from Lurasden to Queenstown during the tourist season, Mr Orr told league members that it was not the policy of the department \ to encroach upon private enterprise in the matter of town delivery, and that the consignments of goods were received in several different wagons so that all goods for one tradesman could not be transferred to a freight truck in one handling as such a c-ourse would involve delay in delivery. In the case of the Lumsden-Queens-town service Mr Orr stated that urgent and perishable goods were always a portion of a major consignment which had to pass in portion 01 whole through the local goods-shed for the purposes of checking and receiving. Question of Cost In answer to a question Mr Preston stated that the department’s transport licence did permit of town delivery, ■ but as previously stated, the policy of the department was against such a course. He added that at present rail rating was being charged on all goods delivered by freight trucks, whereas direct delivery would involve the charging of transport rates, plus 7s per ton, which would not assist, from a financial # , tt viewpoint. The president thanked the deputation for their clear elucidation of the position after which the matter was discussed by members. It was agreed that the question resolved into one of local delivery which was referred to the officer-in-charge of the department in Queenstown for appropriate attention. Mr Robins reported that suitable arrangements had been made in respect to the proposed erection of a ' bus shelter at Laurel Bank corner. It was decided to forward full details of the proposal to the borough council for its consideration and action. Report on Housing A report was tabled by Mr E. R. Hopwood upon a housing scheme similar to schemes adopted by many local authorities in the Dominion whereby the purchaser of a section and house could obtain 90 per cent, loan money 1 from an Approved building society, the local authority being a guarantor for the difference incurred between the normal advance of such a society and the total advance required. He stated that such a sell erne would prove too costly in view of present building costs and further, that the maximum amount of loan money obtainable under such a scheme would nullify its success. No action was taken. A proposal to foster the establishment of a swimming baths adjacent to the tennis courts at the park was mooted, it being decided to communicate with the Minister of Internal Affairs to ascertain his opinion and support in the matter prior to the league making a local appeal for funds. Mr Cochrane reported upon investigations made by a sub-committee for the purpose- of suggesting better hall facilities in the town. The report placed a most favt arable bearing on a proposal to renovate Hie Garrison Hall. Members agreed that the league should approach the borough council in the matter and offer any assistance possible.