RAILWAY RESTRICTIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17691, 31 July 1919, Page 5

RAILWAY RESTRICTIONS

—■»» . GENERAL MANAGER INTERVIEWED. THE COAL POSITION. (Pμ Dkited Pbess Association.) WELLINGTON, July 30 Jf E j n f a i manager of railways was interviewed to-day by a deputation representing the Wellington Chamber of Conynerce which suggested that if it was not possible to resume the ordinary time-table at an early date a committee representative of the various trades and industries should bo set up to assist the department in utilising the accommodation available in the best interests of the community. Mr M'Villy stated that tho department would be very glad of the assistance proffered,- but pointed out that any committee set up must reeessarilv repres-nt alt branches of trade and industry, and includo representatives of the outlying districts. Although fair quantities of coal were in sight u was not suitable for tho railways, which required hard coal. When the cut in tho service was ma-cle the total quantity of hard coal m hand was 12.400 tons. The quantity °" h ™ at r S le beginning of this week was 8900 tons. The cut in the train service had reduced the working consumption of hard coal b 7 2300 tons, yet the stocks are being steadily depleted, notwithstanding that tho consumption is over 50 per cent. less. Tho deputation stated that immediate steps would be taken to set up a committee on the lines indicated. POSITION NOT IMPROVING. SHORTAGE OF COAL STILL ACUTE. PEOPLE MUST STAY AT HOME. (Feom Oub Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, July 30. JNo nops of an immediate relaxation of the restrictions on the carriage of goods by rail was given by the general manager of railways when he spoke to a reporter on the subject this evening. "Before we can do very much in removing the restrictions," said Mr M'Villy "wo must be able to get a considerable quantity of coal, say, 15,000 or 20,000 tons a weak for six or seven weeks, and then have a regular supply in sight for some time ahead. One of the difficulties at present is that our coal is dribbling in slowly and very frequently the amount arriving is not equal to the consumption Unt3 coal can be obtained in considerable quantities and regularly for n few weeks there is little chanos of our doing very much tL° ?r e .. h< JP efnl *ft the people will ™i tho invitation that has been extended to them to etay at home in order that wo may carry more goods. If it fc f ound that the people do not accept our invitation the department will be forced to take more drastic measures. We shall have to reS the number of carriages to be put on te£s ZLT r Ot ffi S °u n carr y in S non-essential pat sengor traffic, because the haulage is needed for the carriage of goods whicE are n^ 'sary to keep the industries of-the«S