DEPUTATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5498, 9 November 1878, Page 3

DEPUTATION.

A deputation waited on the Commissioner of Railways for the North Island (Mr. John Lawson) at the Government Buildings, at 11 a.m. yesterday, with reference to the insufficiency of the rolling-stock on the WellingtonFcatherston line. The deputation consisted of Messrs. Pilcher (representing Featherston), ■Whitehead, Buck, Tonka, F. Hill, and Maslem (representing Wellington), Jones (Kaitoke), and Smith (Mungaroa “Valley. Mr. Pilcher introduced the deputation, and said they had taken the liberty of waiting upon Mr. Lawson to see if he would make any alteration in the number and description of trucks. He had been informed that those which were being built were all lowsided, and the deputation would like to know if he could have them altered, Mr. Lawson said Mr. Pilcher had been misinformed, because the order which had been given to the contractors was for twenty timber trucks and fifteen high-sided and fifteen low-sided trucks. Mr. Pilcher said he went purposely to ask the qxiestion on the previous day, and was told that there were to be thirty low-sided trucks. Mr. Lawson pointed out that in this respect Mr. Pilcher had been misinformed. Mr. Pilcher was glad to hear it. The deputation complained also of the manner in which the tracks were pub out on the Hue. Top instance, one party would get five trucks one day, and would have to wait a fortnight before he got any more. Mr. Lawson said he observed this complaint in the report in the morning papers, and he was rather surprised it had been made, because Mr. Stone had positive orders to distribute the trucks as fairly as possible, and to keep them running as much as possible, even to, work them night and day if that were necessary. He had sent for Mr. Stone, and he was sorry that gentleman was not tfien present. One of the deputation complained that truck K. 49 had arrived in Wellington on Wednesday, and he had paid ss. for unloading it, and it was still standing at the station. Mr. Pilcher said that amongst those present as a deputation 42 trucks a week would be required. Mr. Lawson said ho was afraid the additional rolling stock which had been ordered would not be sufficient, and more would have to be obtained. Another of the deputation suggested that the difficulty might to some extent bo met by unloading the trucks with greater despatch. They were not, as a rule, discharged as expeditiously as they ought to be. Mr, Lawson said that if such was the case, it was quite contrary to his wishes and instructions. Mr. Stone bad positive orders to get the greatest possible amount of work out of the trucks. Another of the deputation complained of the great loss he incurred by having to stack his firewood in the bush, and besides, there was great danger from fire. Mr. Lawson asked if it would be any convenience at all if the railway authorities provided accommodation at the various sidings and stations for stacking the firewood ? The previous speaker : That would necessitate double labor, Mr, Lawson said it was possible they might be able to fit ap a few low-sided trucks so as to carrv firewood. In about eight weeks' time they would have the whole of the new stock, and the contractors had promised to commence delivery in six weeks. There had been a gieat deal of stress laid on the question of undue preference, and he should Hl<o to be supplied with proofs that such was the case. Ho was not aware of any; but if there was an undue preference given, it would be stepped at once. One of the deputation said that Mr. Peter. Jameson, of Silverstream, had a lot of firewood lying at Silverstream, ready for loading. Trucks were left there day after day, and he got none of them, while they were given to Mr. Sykes, Mr. Fish also made application for trucks, but could not get them, * The business at the Wellington station way carried on very well, and every endeavor was made to get the trucks away as soon as possible, but it was at the side stations that the delay occurred of not bringing in the trucks after they were loaded. Another of the deputation suggested that there should be a boy at tho station to bring word to consignees when their consignments arrived, and if they did not take their stulf away, tho Government would bo quite justified in charging them demurrage, Mr, Lawson said he would also see to this matter. Another of the deputation said he had loaded two trucks afc Mungaroa Valley, and they loaded at tho twenty-two mile siding (Cruickshank's) frocat Tuesday morning till Wednesday evening. Tbwy could not bo taken away before, in consequence of the goods train from Featherston being overloaded. Could not tbo Commissioner arrange that loaded trucks, under similar circumstances, should be taken by passenger trains ? ■ Mr, Lawson said that some extra efforts would b© made until they got tho new trucks into use, ’ Fifty trucks would-mako a great

r difference. This number would be further supplemented as soon as possible, because it 1 was evident they would be required. ; Another of the deputation suggested that 2 between Kaitoke and Wellington passengers might be allowed to travel by goods trains, if •j they liked to put up with the inconvenience of I travelling in the guard’s van. If this privib lege were granted, the settlers up there would > be able to come to town, transact their busil ness, and return the same afternoon. Mr. Lawson said there would be really no • difficulty in this matter. It was because it > was thought there was very little population r between the Upper Hutt and Kaitoke that > the privilege was not extended as far as Kaitoke. The privilege would now be extended, i as do-irecl, Mr. Stone hero entered the room. • On the various matters being referred to him, Mr. Stone said that what was wanted was quicker discharge at Wellington. Some consignees discharged quickly aid some did not. Some of them ought to work a little overtime In discharging. He saw Mr. Buck’s men working there every night. Mr. Lawson : An extra goods train will to a great extent help us until we get the additional stock in use. Are you in a position to run an extra train ? Mr. Stone : Yes ; to run an extra goods train at night. Mr. Lawson: I will promise you that the stock will be pushed on as quickly as possible, and will do my very best to supplement that stock with more, because it is evident that more will be required. I shall confer with Mr. Stone on the various matters you have brought under notice. The deputation withdrew, after thanking Mr. Lawson for the courtesy with which that gentleman had received them.