Arizona republican., 1918-01-31
NSPORTAT|ON
 PROBLEM TENSER AS WAR GOES ON
Republican A. p. Leased Wire]


 LONDON, Jan. 30.-As the war goes on the difficulty in connection with railroads, automobiles and street rail- ways are increasing rapidly and with growing effect on everyday life.
 Congestion on the railways and in the mails will soon necessitate radical restrictions, it is asserted. Travel per mits may become necessary, while re- organization of freight transport will aim at distribution everywhere from the nearest sources of supply in order to save transportation labor and fuel Food traders are being urged to com bine for mutual help in distribution, and households are asked to purchase al the nearest stores.
 The street railways are being put on the same basis as the steam roads un- der a new order giving the Board of Trade power to commander street railway rolling stock and material. Just as unnecessary railway lines were taken up and sent to France so will dispensable street car lines be liable 10 removal from one part of the coun- try to another. This proposal has aroused some opposition, as London will benefit at the expense of the pro- vincial cities but the idea is that lines and rolling stock shall be used where they are most useful
 Saving of gasoline is one of the chief needs, for the shortage is acute. The government has found it necessary to convert 35 standard and other ships into oil-tank carriers. There will also be further reductions in both patrol and the use of horses for commercial purposes, and priority will be given to war work and food transport
 The use of gas for transport, winch has recently become very popular, it is announced will also be restricted to vehicles engaged in necessary busi- ness. Gas control throughout the country will be necessary unless the strictest economies are effected volun- tarily in nO-prOductive consumption such as for lighting There is an enor- nous demand for more gas for power In the munition factories many en- zines are gas-d driven, and gas is also used to an increasing extend for heat ing furnaces. The government has al- ready given the minister of munitions new powers to enforce restrictions.
 Transport used for non- essential dis tribution is to be prevented as far as possible Coal, food and raw materials for munitions must all be obtained from the nearest source. Two thou sand food committees and 800 loca, iIdHSpOTL COulUlllleeS Will dSSlSL III the organization of local schemes of econ omizing transport. Scores of towns al ready have their own schemes in oper- ation. Lancaster and other cities arc forming companies of traders to poo their vehicles.
 Street railways will be used largely for the transportation and delivery o1 food. Some towns will institute street car delivery of parcels. Milk will be delivered only once daily instead ot twice, while bakers, butchers and other tradesmen will have only three deliv- cries a week instead of six.
 Throughout the past year there has been an accumulation of traffic diff faculties in London. The gradual elim- nation of private motor cars, taXicabs and light automobile delivery wagons has thrown a burden on other means of transport which were already over- taxed, and some of the hardest prob lems of railway transport are involved in the economical solution of rail- way congestion around the London terminals.