MINISTERIAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 272, 14 May 1912, Page 5

MINISTERIAL

" RAILWAY MATTERS. By Telegraph—Prow Association. Ashburton, Last Night, Tbe Minister for Railways to-day promised a deputation which waited on him here, and which asked for a faster early morning train service to Christchurch, that the speed of the train would be accelerated on two mornings weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays). He refused to consider a request for now railway etation. Mars. Myers, who was withj (the [Minister, Ss taking p great interest in the working of the Department, and made the journey between Rakaia and Ashburton on the first express this morning in the cah of the engine.

RAILWAY MATTERS.

Timaru, La«t Night. The Minister for Railways met the members of the Harbor Board to-day and listened to complaints of the shortage of trucks and shunting power, on the wharves especially, and also the insufficient shed and yard accommodation. Mr. .T. Craigie, M.P., pointed out the inconvenience of the road to the goods sheds crossing the shunting and train starting yard. It was also pointed out that the accommodation provided eight years ago had become inadequate, as the traffic had doubled in that time. The la«k of shunting power meant a loss tc shippers through slow work and overtime paj'. The men sometimes had to leave the holds to move trucks on the wharf. The Minister said that after visiting Christehurch and Timaru he saw •that the truck-building programme must be revised. He intended to put an end to 'that complaint. He would probably have trucks built outside the Department. He suggested that the Harbor Board should follow the example of Auckland ami Wellington, and provide facilities for working the wharves. He ivould consult his responsible advisers on the whole of the matters submitted to him, and provide the facilities asked for everywhere within reason. It. was necessary for the development of the country's resources, but it would mean borrowing. He hoped those who asked for them would not accuse the Government of frenzied finance if it borrowed to meet their requirements.