THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 July 1919, Page 5

THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

DEPUTATION TO f'ENERAIi MANAGER. SHORTAGE OF HARD COAL.. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The general manager of railways was Interviewed to-day l>y a deputation from the Wellington Chamber of Cominerce, 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, be set up to assist the Department in utilising the accommodation available in the best" interests of the community. ! Mr. JlcVilly stated that the Department would be very glad of the assistance proffered, but pointed out that any committee set up must necessarily represent all branches of trade and industry and include representatives from the outlying districts. Although fair quantity of cOal Were in sight it wfts not nuitable for the railway?, which required hard coal. When the cut in the service was made the total quantity of hnrd coal in liatid was 12,400 tons. The quantity on hand rtt the beginning of this week Was SSKJO tons. The cut in the train service reduced the Weekly consumption of hard pqsl by 230 ft top", yet the stocks 'iro I'cing steadily depleted, notwithstanding the consumption was over frO per cert. less. The deputation stated that immediate steps will bp taken to set up a committee oft the lines indicated. 15,000 TO 20,000 TONS A WEEK.WHAT THE DEPARTMENT REQUIRES. ♦Wellington, Last Night. The General Manager of Railways said to-night that before very much could be done in removing the restrictions on the carriage of goods by rail the Department must be able to get a considerable quantity of coal; say 15,000 or 20,00 tons a Week, for six or seven weeks, and then have a regular supply in sight for some time ahead. Coal was dribbling in slqwly at present, and very' frequently the amount arriving Was not equal to the consumption. • Mr. MeVllly added: "We are hopefii! that people Will accept the invitation that has been extended to them to Stay at home in order that .we may carry more gooflh. . If it is found that the people do not accept our invitation the Department will be forced to take more drastic measures. We shall have to restriorthe number of carriages to be put on the trains. We cannot go on carrying unessential passenger traffic, because the haulage is needed for the carriage of goods which aro, necessary to keep the industries of the country going, and so keep a large number of men in employment."