THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1919, Page 5

THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

REGULATIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. New railway by-laws enabling the Department to restrict passenger travel on trains are gazetted and come into force on August 4. GOODS SERVICE FOR. TARANAKI. AN OBTUSE MINISTER. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, M.P., is in receipt of the following wire from the Hon. W. H. Herries, Minister for Railways: Youriclegram to acting-Prime ister has been referred to me. I regret tJmt in view of the continued shortage of coal supplies I cannot approve of any relaxation in the restrictions. Meantime the Department is rationed as regardß coal the samo as every other industry. I fully recognise the hardships created by the restrictions and deeply regret the necessity' for their continuance. Will resume ordinaTy services at the earliest possible date after coal supplies are assured. Mr. Wilkinson replied as follows; Your telegram received, Cannot understand the position taken up by you. I did not ask for the resumption of the ordinary train services, but for two goods trains weekly from Patea and New Plymouth to, say, Stratford, thus serving inland Taranaki. which is now completely isolated by rail in vesnect to many linos of essential goods, particularly timber, cement, and .other building material. What goods are coming forward are paying very hiiih rates of motor freight, and road troubles arc developing. Since telegraphing the acting-Prime Minister another five hundred tons of coal have been landed at New Plymouth, making nearly four thousand five hundred tons in five weMsft. In face of this do you Still, maintain that lilocknge here U because of coal shortage? Unless relief is acordocl by partial resumption of poods traffic industry must be brought to a standstill and unemployment will be general, Mr. Wilkinson also wired as follows to Sir James Allen: The Minister of Railways has replied giving no satisfaction as fnr as any relief of the present situation is concerned. I am afraid it is of no use looking to the Department for any: thing, and can only appeal to you as acting-head of»the. Government, to exercise pressure over the Department an,d insist that measures be taken immediately to restore at least' partial .' essential goods services.