Geraldton Guardian and Express (WA : 1929 - 1947), Saturday 22 July 1933, page 1


SANDSTONE RAILWAY -I,- ^

? ^ ? WORST BRANCH LINE IN STATE THE COMMISSIONER'S VIEW

'From the financial viewpoint, the Sandstone railway is, the worst branch line in the State,' said the Commissioner of Bailways (Mr. E. A- Evans), when informed of the feeling at Sandstone against the closing of the line. 'At the present time,' Mr. Evaus continued, 'the Sandstone line is-

badly in need of repairs and niaiulcnauce work, which my department simply cannot afford- Consequently. I had n«. alternative, after inspecting tlie permanent way. but to inform the Black Kauge Road Board that, al the end of the present wool season, the line would lie closed. 1 also informed the Board that- the continuance of the ^ervieo as i'a»- us Paynesville would depend upon gold mining development at Y'ouaniue. 'Practically all the ivveiiue froai i he Sandstone line is derived from the carriage of wool, and this is not nearl* sufficient to meet running costs, apaii from iutciv.-t on the capital initially invested. The loss is increased by moror competition. So that tbe Black Kan go Road Board would not be compelled to clear a fresh track for motor traffic, my department some years ago acceded to the Board's request that a track beside the railway line, built at the expence of my department, should be opened to road traffic. Sinc^ then that track has been used by motor trucks carrying wool in --omp»v tition with the railways.'