Yesterday some hitch occurred in these operations at Cargill’s Corner, and, as a result, it was found that the cars could not negotiate this corner. It became necessary, therefore, yesterday afternoon for passengers to and from St. Clair to transfer from one to another, taking one tram to the corner and completing their journey in another, which was waiting to receive them. A staff of men were engaged during last night putting the rails to rights, and it is expected that the service will be resumed as usual today.
Shag Point coal
In the House of Representatives Mr Lee drew attention to the Shag Point coal mine. Of late years, he said, there had been an opening up of this mine, and it was found there was a very large supply of useful steaming coal. Originally there was a railway down to the mine, but it got into a state of disrepair, and the Railway Department was asked to repair it so that the trucks of coal could be drawn by horsepower along the line if it was not fit to carry the weight of the engines. The department had taken up all the rails, and now the cartage had to be done by horsepower for a mile or two to the railway. Not long ago a deputation waited on the general manager at Palmerston, and pointed out that a quantity of coal could be obtained from the mine, and asked the department if it could not be used by the railway for steam purposes. Nothing had been heard about the matter since then. Mr Lee asked the Minister of Railways if he would look into the matter and see whether the coal was suitable for steaming purposes and whether it was not worth while to keep the line in such a state of repair that the trucks could be drawn along it by horse power.
Dedicated cadet
A Barrytown lad (H. J. Langridge), who rides 18 miles every Thursday night to attend his drills as a cadet at Runanga, staying at the latter place overnight, rides back to Barrytown on the following morning in time to attend school. He is a member of a well-known patriotic family, three of whom have been called upon to make the supreme sacrifice in this war, and one with the Main Body has risen to the rank of lieutenant. The lad above referred to is not quite 15.
Cromwell railway
Our correspondent advises that the railway is now open to Cromwell for the delivery of goods, and residents highly appreciate the prompt action of the department in giving such an early use of the line. Since Wednesday goods have been handled at the Cromwell station, but it will be some time before the line is open for all traffic. However, the present service is a great boon.
No rates outstanding
A creditable record has been established by the Waikouaiti County Council in the matter of collecting its rates. When the balance sheet came up for approval at the meeting yesterday, the chairman (Cr Kilpatrick) states that for the last 16 years there had been no outstanding rates. He thought that record was probably unequalled in the dominion, and it spoke very highly for the energy of their clerk (Mr Porteous). — ODT, 30.7.1917.
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