FARMERS AND THE RAILWAYS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20025, 5 September 1930, Page 14

FARMERS AND THE RAILWAYS.

UNPROFITABLE LINES. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DISCUSSION. The Rural Interests Committee o£ the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce at last night's meeting of the Council of the Chamber submitted a report dealing with railway matters that aroused an interesting discussion. The report was as follows: — "Railway Commission. —The committoe have to report that at the request of the A. and P. Association, the Farmers* Union, and tho Sheepowners' Union, the president, in giving evidence before the Railway Commission, drew attention to the fact that the farming community were largo supporters of the railways, particularly in the carrying of heavy goods. Ho mentioned the difficulties experienced by the farming community at tho present time in making ends meet, and desired that mombcra of the Commission, in considering the necessity of raising freight rates, remember that with higher rates there might be considerably less, rather than more, revenue received from the carriage of heavy goods to and from country districts, becauso of the lessened production which would be necessary if costs were increased, and also possible further diversion of traffic to the road. The chairman of the Commission stated that he recognised the importance of this aspect, which would receive careful consideration.

"Sprineburn Railway.—A request has been received from the Springburn Railway Retention Committeb for this Chamber's support for tlu retention of that portion of the Springburn branch railwav line between Mt. Somers and Springburn. The committee is of opinion, however, that, In view of tho fact that the evidence submitted has already boon made availablo to the Royal Commission, and that tho Commission's report will shortly be available, the matter is 'sub iudice.' The committee. therefore recommends that a reply be sent to tho Springburn Railway Retention Committee advising that this Chamber considers that no further action should bo taken in the natter until the presentation of the report of the Royal Commission, and some Indication is given of the attitude of Parliament in connoxion with this matter."

Excessive Overhead. Mr C. P. Agar said that he disagreed In toto with the report. They should recognise that the Dominion had been suffering from excessive overheads. In the present instance the management of the railways had found that the Springburn line was economically unsound to operate, and, in the best interests of the Dominion as a whole, had seen flt to close It down for the time being. Now they had the position that wherever a service was curtailed a section of the community formed themselves into a committee for its retention. The Retention Committee should not have taken action while the matter was before the Commission; instead they had asked the Chamber to support them. It was no use the Ch mber going before the public from time to time and agitating for reduced overhead and for the economical administration of the public affairs of tho Dominion, and then, when steps were taken to reduce ove-bead to support, or to support tentatively, a movement in the other direction. They should recognise that the operation of this line was going to increase overhead. They should support and not be hesitant in announcing their support of, the reduction of overhead. Tho produce of the district served by tho lino had to be dealt with and, no doubt, arrangements would bo made for its transport when that was economically sound. They should reaffirm their attitude, that any steps taken by any publlo service to reduce overhead should receive the support of the Chamber. Ho moved that 4he clause be referred back to tho committee for further consideration. Mr A. P. Wright seconded, and said that they knew how diffloult it was for a Government Department to redueo expenditure. It was unpleasant at the best of times. If they supported those who opposed the curtailment of services it would be manifestly impossible to get any real policy of retrenchment carried into effect. Guarantees Wanted.

The chairman (Mr Norton Francis) hoped'that the amendment would not be carried. They had to back up the Railway Department, or any other Government Department, that was going in for economies, but all that the report rooommended was that ' no action be taken," and that was tpe proper course to adopt at present. Later they might be able to help the farmers and the Department. It would be necessary to have the line opened to transport the farmers' produce. n*ovided that the farmers gave the Department some guarantee that the line would be no longer worked at a" loss. Mr J. G. Herdman said that seeing the Government had appointed a Commission to thoroughly investigate matters, it was only right to hear what it had to say before the Chamber expressed any aefinite opinion. Mr H. Chapman said that the farmers had the matter in their own hands. He did not know what the position was at present, but when he was in charge hundreds of bales of wool were sent by road because it was sixpence a bale cheaper than by rail. The position had reacted on the farmers. Mr A. L. Macfarlane thought that if the farmers did not have sufficient produce to warrant the operation of the line the Department would be in order in substituting some form of motor transport. Mr A. C. Brother ton said that for quite a different reason from any given they should support the line remaining open. The residents of that district were just as much entitled to the set* vice of the railways as any other part of the Dominion.

Mr Agar: Whether it pays or not? Mr Bretherton said that in 1914 the staff at headquarters of the railways was 600; it was now 1710. If the Department wanted to economise it should start with the headquarters staff. The Springburn people had a legitimate grievance. Mr W. H. Nicholson (chairman of the committee) said that ro support of the Retention Committee was indicated in the report. To be consistent, the committee had to frame report as it had been framed. When the Commission reported they would have an opportunity of supporting the Government eoonomy, or of supporting the Springburn people if they had a grievance. The motion to refer the clause referring to Springburn back to the committee was negatived, and the report Was adopted.