Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-01-31
BRITISH! TRANSPoRTA-
TON IS C0NCES1EO

London, Jan. l4.--AS the war goes on
, the difficulty in connection with rail
roads, automobiles and street railways
are increasing rapidly and with grow :
ing effect on everyday life.
Congestion on the railways and in
the mails will soon necessitate radical
restrictions, il is asserted. Travel
permits may become necessary, while
reorganization 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 i'll distribution,
and households are asked to purchase
at 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 We're
taken up and sent to France. SO will
dispensable street car lines be liable to
removal from one part of the country
to another. This proposal has aroused
sorle opposition as London will beenfit
at the expense of the provincial cities.
stock shall be used where they are
most useful.
Saw ing of gasoline is one of the chief
needs, for the shortage is acute. The
government has found it necessary To
convert 80 standard and other ships
into oil-tank carriers. There will also
he further reductions in both petrol
aud the use of horses for commercial
purposes, and priority. will be given to
war work and food transport.
The use of gas for transport, which
announced, will also be restricted to
vehicles engaged in necessary bust
ness. &c. control throughout the
country will be necessary unless the
strictest economies. are effected volun-
taril!' in non-productive consumption
such as for lighting. There is an enor-
NOUS demand for more gas for power
In the munition factories many engines
, are gas driven, and gas is also used to
an increasing extent for heating
furnaces. The government. has al
ready gM$p The Minister of Munitions
, new powers to enforce restrictions.
TransnUrf used for non-cssentiaI
distribution Is to be prevented as fan
"a possible. Coal, food, ana raw ma
terials for munitions, must all be OBJ
. tanned from the nearest source. Two
! thousand food committees and 500 Local
transport committees will assist in the
! organization Of local schemes OF
economizing transport. Scores of towns
already have their own schemes =. ir
opera ton. Lancaster and o;ner cities
are forming companies Of traders t.
! pool their vehicles.
! street railways will be used Target.
for the transportation and delivery o1
food. Some towns will institute street
car delivery of parcels. Milk will be
delivered only once daily instead OF
twice, while bakers. butchers and 9th
er tradesnen will have only three de
3, liveries a week instead OF six.
! Throughout the past year there has
/ been an accumulation of traffic diff
culties in London. The gradua
elimination Of private motor cars
| taxicabs, and light automobile delivery
| wagons has thrown burden on other
means Of transport which were alreaG.
overtaxed, and some Of the hardest
problems of railway transport are IN
volved in the economical solution OF
railway congestion around the London
terminals.