page 35

Mass Transport in Hawke's Bay

Commenting on the Railway Department's mobilisation of rolling stock, which, after the prompt restoration of rail communication, was concentrated on Napier in readiness to effect, if necessary, the evacuation of the town after the recent big earthquake, the “Evening Post,” Wellington, says:—

“The speed with which the Railways Department restored communication has already been noted, but it may not be realised that the Department had so mobilised its rolling stock that, had it been necessary to evacuate 15,000 or 20,000 people from Napier, the thing could have been done in about six hours. There were available 150 railway cars and 50 railway wagons, or 200 in all, each with a capacity (in emergency) of 100 people, or 20,000 people in all. It is estimated that 19-car trains could have left every half-hour, and that eleven of these trains, going out at half-hourly intervals, could have done the job.

The capacity of a single track railway is indeed far higher than is generally realised. It has the advantages of singleness of control and complete possession of its own track. Its controlling authority can so order traffic that a movement outward or inward goes on without interruption. It is not slowed or stopped by rain-soaked roads, and the permanent way is not breakable except by some major blow, the effects of which, unless constantly renewed, can be quickly repaired.

The thousands of motor-cars on the high quality Hawke's Bay roads (much bitumen - surfaced, the rest metalled) made a great show, in good weather and in a favourable environment. As small independent units, they were highly efficient. But as a transport system the potentialities of the railway (once restored) were increased. Had it been a question of mass movement instead of individual movements, the railways would have come into their own. And New Zealand's railway service is so manned with experts that devastated areas could have been filled at short notice with disciplined teams of workers (navvies, artisans, etc.) had it been decided to carry on a reconstruction campaign in that manner.”