THE CURTAILED TRAIN SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 July 1919, Page 5

THE CURTAILED TRAIN SERVICE.

BOOT TRADE PENALISED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Tho fact that the Railway Department is refusing to carry boots and shoes as freight during .the restriction period was discussed at a meeting of the Board of Control of tho boot industry, comprising manufacturers and operatives. The chairman explained the position, stating that in a very short period boot factories would have to close down should the Pepartment's policy be continued. Other manufacturers present spoke in a simliar strain.

Mr. Watts, secretary to the Boot and Shoe Operatives' Union, strongly urged Members of Parliament to do all in their power to procure relief for the trade in this connection. He said it was absurd that large privately owned utilities could obtain all the coal they required, while the State-ownd railways were hampered through lack of it. Sir Frederick Lang expressed sympathy with the trade in regard to its disabilities, and at his suggestion a telegram, signed by himself and other Members of Parliament present, was drafted for dispatch to the Minister for Bailways This stated that at a conference' with the boot manufacturers and operatives a most serious situation had been disclosed, because of the Department's refusal to carry boots or shoes, and that in a few weeks the Auckland factories would be compelled to close, throwing 400 operatives out of employment. The message strongly urged reconsideration of boot freight restrictions. THE TRAIN SERVICES. « Invercargill, Last Night. Regarding the restricted trains, the secretary of the Southland Sawmilling Company said that unless restrictions on the carriage of timber were removed shortly the mills throughout Southland would have to close, rendering idle 600 men. The Chamber of Commerce decided to ask the Government what was being done to remedy the coal shortage.