RAILWAYS AND MOTOR TRAFFIC

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21702, 8 February 1936, Page 20

RAILWAYS AND MOTOR TRAFFIC

TO THE EDITOR OF THE FEESS. Sir,—Please allow a letter on railways as against motor traffic. The railways are dependable, can be put through rough country and also rivers can be bridged where motor traffic would find it impossible to go. Farmers on wayback lands could get their produce to markets by rail in times of flood, etc., where motor traffic would not dare go. Cars are the cause of much loss of life through congested traffic, also, alas, incapable drivers. Train drivers must be competent or they are put out of their jobs. Cars can make a good start but often make a bad ending owing to there being no proper supervision aboard. The driver's mind should be on the road not on looking at the inside passengers. This often causes trouble. Cars are useful in cases of accidents; the ambulance is for that work. Also doctors need a car for quick attendance of patients. Otherwise, there are far too many cars, causing trouble and loss of life. Ope can travel in a train and be sure of general comfort and supervision. The fewer motor-cars there are the more trade and the less trouble for all. What is the cause of this quibbling over the main trunk railways? They would open up the country lands and make for general uplift everywhere. . New Zealand would benefit all through and more work be given to men if the quibbling about the railways was put down and the line proceeded with The Labour party wants helping, not hindering, by the opinions of some who hold a few shares in motors. How else are the leaders of the Labour 1 party to hold up right if the people do ; not help them? They cannot carry ; through schemes unless the majority , of the working class upholds their cause Prices are rising in many things of winch there is no need. Of what : use is higher pay if it is to be paid i out in exploitation. Supervision over ■ the selling of goods is needed to adjust matters m many towns in country I places. We should all try to get the . finished; then clearer li^ht will shine on all deeds, there wiirbe . more sociable living and honesty, more work for the poor man, and Labour's I 1 * upheld more "™™-- w i A *C°NLOOKER OF YEARS. . I Picton, February 4, 193 G.