WAITEMATA RAILWAY AFFAIRS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 201, 25 August 1919, Page 10

WAITEMATA RAILWAY AFFAIRS.

.To the Editor.} • lr - —lt is to be hoped the action on tj.e -above subject by the Waitemata Chamber of Commerce, aided by Mr. Harris. M.P.. will do something towards rousing public attention, and removing ■ the lethargy which has marked Devonport and its neighbouring district for come time past. It is always easy to criticise the past others, but to the ordinary mind, the action of Devonport some years ago. in turning down a proposal to combine with other districts in the establishment of a tramway system. which would have brought into the borough—to the mutual advantage of its business people and ferry company—the steadily increasing traffic of the northern districts, was—to say the least —very short-sitrhted indeed, and one of its present effects may be seen in the increased fares imposed by the ferry company, Which, like other carriers and ' business firms, must necessarily, in meeting greater annual expenses, "either increase the volume of their business or x_i.-p the charges tor their goods or services. But this is only one phase of a great question. What is wanted, above all, is the creation of a healthy and vigorous public opinion, combined with a clearer perception of the- position we individually hold to each other and to the public generally. For instance, how many of us realise that th- ferry company, the wharves and streets of Devonport, evca the very shops ami public buildings, are our own property, depending upon our labour, mentally and physically, for their creation and "maintenance: and their condition and prosperity, is, consequently, a credit, or a reflection upon ourselves? The absence of due consideration and thought upon these matters, which are really' of vital interest—if we are to progress as a district and as a nation—is the cause of much of the indifference and selfishness . so often witnessed in public affairs; and a wider view of the relationship in Which we stand to each other and to tie body politic would do much to better things generally, and strengthen our position personally. In the case under review the Waite- • mata Chamber should be made to understand that the whole of the residents , are behind them, and will support them '. » their efforts to secure better communication with the northern districts «> the mutual advantage of all ' Co_c.__e_.-i am, etc., ! E. C. SHEPHEKD. .