THE RAILWAYS COMMISSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18852, 29 October 1924, Page 8

THE RAILWAYS COMMISSION.

On the principle that the function of a progress league is to press the claims of its district on every favourable opportunity, the Marlborough league has asked the Railways Commission to recommend the completion of the South Island Main Trunk line to Picton. Their advocacy has pp n so effective that, according to a telegram from Blenheim, the commission nas been infected with their own enthusiasm, and has only been dissuaded from instant recommendation of the railway by recollection of the depressing fact that it is "a matter of finance." The subject actually seems to be outside the scope of the commission's inquiry, general though the order of reference is in its prescriptions. There has not previously been any suggestion that the report would include a survey of new projects, and it seems unlikely that any attempt will be made to advise the Government upon the merits of particular lines. All the clauses in the order of reference point to the existing responsibilities of the Railway Department. One of the most important is the fourth, in which the commission is asked to report on

Improvements and new works that may be deemed to be essential to cope more economically with present and prospective traffic, including new station buildings. yards, deviations, etc., and the order ir. which such works should be carried out. This reference is clearly to the programme recently announced by Mr. Coates. He properly emphasised that its preparation was undertaken before there was any suggestion of inviting the commissioners to visit New Zealand, but he frankly admitted that the opinion of impartial experts would be appreciated. The General Manager of Railways has

estimated that necessary improvements would cost £13,000,000; the Government has made a selection to cos! £8,000,000, and has presented a schedule of expenditure over eight years- The chief value of the commission's report on this aspect of its inquiry will be in regard to that selection—it may endorse it or it may make alterations, within the financial limitations set by the Government—and in regard to the order of prosecution. It is in respect of the latter that the Government will, no doubt, encounter the greatest volume of criticism, and it will be greatly fortified' and much heartburning will be avoided, if the commission gives positive recommendations for the guidance of the depart ment and the satisfaction of the public.