UNFAIR CHARGE?

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 127, 31 May 1937, Page 8

UNFAIR CHARGE?

TRAVEL IN SOOTH ISLAND.

TRAIN AND CAR FARES. (By Telegraph. —Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. "Comparisons are often odious, but this one, iii addition, is not helpful," declared Mr. J. J. W. Pollard, director of. the South Island Travel Association, in replying to a criticism by Mrs. Eva M. Seward, an English visitor, of the service ,car fares in the South Island. "Mrs. Seward says that the S*uth Island loses tourist visitors because the transport charges are heavier, and offers an explanation, but an examination of this example shows that it is improperly based," said Mr. PollarC "The distance from Opua to Wellington by rail is 589 miles, not 700 as she has stated, ard the fare she paid, £2 11/, is the standard second-class fare applying equally in both islands. Under a party arrangement, it is possible to travel first-class on the railways at second-class fares, but the first-class cost from Opua to Wellington works out at £3 15/3. "It is obvious that Mrs. Seward has compared a long-distance railway journey at second-class rates with a motor journey. If a comparison is made on the basis of motor travel, it will be found that costs are approximately the same. From Rotorua to Napier is 150 miles, and the charge is £2; the distance from Nelson to Reefton is 140 miles, and the charge is also £2. Railway travel in the two islands is made on the one scale of charges, and it will be seen on examination that there is virtually no difference in the motor costs for similar services. "Obviously a comparison between railway concession fares with first-class motor charges is not fair," continued Mr. Pollard. "Mrs. Seward could travel 500 miles in the South Inland by rail for £2 11/ and'still would be required to pay £2 for the 150-mile motor run from Rotorua to Napier. In the circumstances one cannot agree that the difference in transport charges keeps tourists from the South Island. The explanation must be sought elsewhere.'*