RAILWAY REFORMS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 83, 4 October 1930, Page 8

RAILWAY REFORMS

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—The report of the Railway Commission will be regarded by all as a very valuable contribution, in. many respects, to one of the most pressing problems with which we are faced. There is little doubt that the adoption of tho majority of the proposals would be of great service to the community.

Tlio most important question dealt with is that of non-political control. Under this heading, there :s room for definite disagreement and disappointment on one point with the recommendation made. If a*directorate is to be set up, it is essential that it should liave a complete control of the whole of the railways, both in regard to administration and ..construction. Tho report states that the board would necessarily be subject to the Legislature in matters of construction, but this would surely create an absurd position. -No such proposed body could expect to be successful in its work it" it were constantly at the .mercy of the Government of the Day, in being saddled with the responsibility of running an increasing number of new*lines. The imposition of such a condition would wreck the utility of tho board at the outset. position has apparently been recognised by the Reform Party, for during the past two years it has consistently advocated that a board having complete control and severed from political influence should be appointed. It is a pity that the Commission did not go so far in bringing down its report. However, the publicity that this particular' point has received from the Reform Party will doubtless ensure thas> an obvious error will not be overlooked.3; <! am, etc., •: %t : •■. SENATOR.'*.'