RAILWAY REQUIREMENTS.

Patea Mail, 19 April 1881, Page 3

RAILWAY REQUIREMENTS.

Mr MaxAvell, engineer in charge of the North Island, Avas Availed upon in New Plymouth on Thursday last by an influential deputation, with reference to the management of the railway. Colonel Trimble introduced the deputation, and gave Mr Maxwell an epitomised statement of the several grievances to be brought before him by the deputation. These included chiefly the Avant of trucks for ordinary merchandise, sheep, and horse boxes. One of the deputation stated that he Avould require from ten to twelve trucks per Aveek for twch'e months, and if Government could not supply them, and Avould find material, he Avould himself get them made, as he did not want to sacrifice his business for the sake of a feAV trucks. More luggage trucks for the Waitara trade were asked for, and for side stations along the line. Complaints Avere made of overcharges in mileage both on goods and passengers. In reference to the extra charge made on the Eltham section of railway, Mr Maxwell thought it was a mistake in opening the Hue to Eltham at

all under the present Avant of accommodation alike for the public and the Railway Department. There Avas no shelter for the engines, and the accommodation Avas otherwise imperfect. There was a great deal of extra running required to Eltham, and the extra charge was made to cover the extra cost of work on this part of the line. Two trucks had to wait two days before being loaded, because the bullock drays could not get to the station. The object of the railway authorities was to make the New Plymouth line appear as a paying one, and if it did not pay it was commented upon adversely. The extra charge placed on the Eltham line Avas very trifling considering the rough nature of the country. Delays in delivery of goods Avere also instanced, Avbich, with other complaints, resolved itself into the scarcity of rolling stock. Mr Maxwell said that arrangements had already been made for supplying extra luggage trucks, and other matters mentioned by the deputation should receive careful consideration.