MR SEDDON AND THE RAILWAY COMMISSIONERS.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7862, 13 May 1891, Page 5

MR SEDDON AND THE RAILWAY COMMISSIONERS.

(PKESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.)

AUCKLAND, May 12.

To-day the Hon. Mr Seddon was interviewed by Mr S. Vaile regarding the trial of the latter's system upon the railways.

Mr Vaile read a reply to a letter from Mr McKerrow regarding bis system, and said that the Commissioners had steadily increased the railway rates till they were now 25 per cent, above what they were when the Commissioners took charge, and he further asserted that most unjust differential rates were being maintained. Mr Seddon said he thought Parliament would be very chary in interfering with the Railway Commissioners until the expiry of their term of olfice. The working of the railway system was more expensive than was originally intended, and the raising of rates meant an increase of taxation. Speaking for himself, lie had always had grave doubts as to whether Parliament had been wise in handing over the sole control of their railways to three irresponsible men. Mr Seddon said further tiuit ho had means of knowing that there was another matter in regard to the railways that deserved attention. Their plant was losing its value, and would continue to do so, and while the railways were formerly managed by three men some eleven men wore now employed to do the same work. He had taken exception to the action of the Railway Commissioners in sending home for four new boilers. He had made enquiry as to why the boilers were not made in the colony, and was informed that the Commissioners had not the necessary accommodation, and could not get the work done here in time. He (Mr Seddon) then asked for details, when the Commissioners replied that they did not consider they were required to answer such questions. From another reliable source he ascertained that these boilers could have been made in the colony, and that while the orders were sent home large numbers of boilermakers were idle at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. It was of course reasonable that the Commissioners should not be interfered with so far as the employment of men was concerned, but it did seem to him strange that the Commissioners without consulting Parliament or anybody else could send home orders for works, and then ask the colony for a large sum of money to pay for them.