LEASING THE AUCKLAND RAILWAYS.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 217, 14 September 1888, Page 4

LEASING THE AUCKLAND RAILWAYS.

THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS INTERVIEWED.

The Hon. Mr Mitchelson, Minister of Public Works, received a deputation this morning ab the Manager's room, Auckland Railway Station, of gentlemen interested in the working of pur railways. The deputation included Messrs A. H. Nathan, Jno. Reid, A. Bell, H. Green and S. Vaile,- and the object of the deputation was to ascertain whether the Government were really prepared to name any sum of money that thoy would accept as a, guarantee against loss during a trial of the Auckland section of the colonial railways on lease. Mr Green introduced the subject. He spoke of the excessive ratea charged for the transport of coat on the local lines compared with English rates, and he also expressed the opinion that if any good.was to be done in the country the present railway transit system must bo altered to meet the country's requirements. Some conversation then took place between Mr Mitchelson and Mr Vaile. Mr Vaile argued that not only had he proved his contention in theory, but thaton the railways of Whangareiand Kamoexperimentsshowed that he was absolutely right. He called the Minister's attention to the fact that on the Whangarei line every branch of traffic had improved during the last eight weeks by from 44i per cent, to 66J per cent., while at the same time the working expenses had decreased 36 per cent. He pointed out that the argument ot the Railways Department had always been that the increased revenue derived from the Whangarei line was due to the cessation of coal traffic, and that the return just quoted showed that tho coal tonnage had increased by 46 '6 per cent. They were now carrying nearly half as much more coal than formerly, while the working oxponses had decreased. The Department, ho therefore argued, could not be right in their contention, and the improvement must be due to the alteration of system. Mr Vaile also said that any reasonable guarantee could be given for the leasing of the railways, and that the deputation wanted him to name what sum the Government would require. • Mr Mitchelson asked whether, in the event of the Government being prepared to lease the lines, the deputation would reduce the rate of wage 3 paid to the railway employees? Mr Vaile replied that he had already stated his opinion publicly that all men employed on railways, no matter what their position, and their varkuu grades, should receive tho highest class of wages; that as a matter of fact, their wages ought to be abovo outside wages, seeing the responsibility of their occupations. As to how much above the outside rate, he was not now prepared to say. :'«, Mr Mitchelson assured the deputation that the Government were sincerely anxious to do what was right in this matter, and that, if it could be proved that Mr Vaile's system was better than theirs, they were prepared to do what they could in effecting improvements. • Mr Vaile asked whether the Government would nominate a certain number of gentlemen, say four, he (Mr Vaile) and his friends nominating four others to go through these mattera in detail and report, and if he proved his position, they would recommend his system having a trial. Mr Vaile said that personally, he would very much prefer to see a trial of the new system carried out under the supervision of S, committee nominated as proposed, and he suggested two gentlemen nominated by the (Government, two by the fthainbeßof Commerce, one by.the Pastoral Association (himself), arid one appointee. Mr Bell spoke strongly in support} of what Mr Vaile had said. He pointed out the great disadvantage under which tho country settlers laboured, and impressed u^on Mr Mitchelson that it was absolutely necessary to do something for their relief, if settlement was to progress. . Other members of the deputation also spoke on the desirabilitytfor improvement in railway management. Mr Mitcholiion then assured the deputation that on his return to Wellington he would again bring the whole matter before the Government, and see what could be done in the direction indicated. :

The deputation then expressed their acknowledgment to Mr Mitcheleon for ilia courtesy and withdrew.