Higher charges for poorer service?

Press, 28 November 1977, Page 2

Higher charges for poorer service?

What the M.Ps were saying

From

CEDRIC MENTIPLAY

An unusual step was taken last Tuesday afternoon, when Sir Basil Arthur (Labour, Timaru) moved the adjournment of the House to discuss “a matter of urgent public business” — namely, the recent announcement, by the Minister of Railways (Mr McLachlan) of further increases in Railways passenger and freight charges. Sir Basil described the increases in rail, bus, and ferry charges —which begin on Monday, December 4 — as “savage.” These included a 5 per cent increase in Southerner and Railway Road Services fares, and a 12.5 per cent rise in rail freights. “I draw the attention of the House to the adverse effect this will have on suburban passenger rail fares,” Sir Basil said. "It is farcical, at a time when the Government should be taking every step to encourage people to use public transport and save oil imports, that it is pricing the railway system out of the reach of many people who every day of necessity have to use commuter rail and bus services ...

“As with many other actions of this Government, those affected can least afford to pay, have no alternative transport, and are compelled to use the public services- They are captives of the system, because either they have no vehicles of their own or they cannot afford to pay the increased petrol charges.” He accused Mr McLachlan of running down the railways. Long-distance freight trains were being cancelled, and senior officials were concerned because in some weeks the revenue had been $BOO,OOO below the figure budgeted. In the last two years, freight charges and many rail fares had been increased more than 100 per cent — and this year the system would run at a loss of S7OM. Sir Basil referred to the inroads being made on Railways contracts because of the extension of the roadhaulage limit to 150 kilometers. “Surely the Minister knows that he is making it more difficult for the department by imposing increased charges from December 4. He should also know that through subsidies and mergers, road transporters can travel further than the 150 km limit.” Linen flax

Hope for the prosperity of the linen flax industry was expressed by Mr R. L. G. Talbot (National, South Canterbury) during discussion on the Linen Flax Corporation Bill, which repeals the Linen Flax Corporation Act, 1945.

“I have fought for the survival of this unique industry,” Mr Talbot said. “It has a very long and interesting history, and over many years has suffered continual losses. When the legislation is passed, negotiations will be concluded to enable a new company to take over the operation of

this corporation . . . "In 1970-71, the Audit Department suggested to the Public Expenditure Committee, of which I was a member, that because of the continuing losses the corporation should be phased out. The members of the committee went to Geraldine to see whether the industry had any future. They reported that the corporation should continue, and that research should be carried out to see whether it could be brought back to a viable proposition.” Mr Talbot said that the new company was convinced of success, and that it would take over on very favourable financial terms. He himself had had discussions recently with the South Canterbury Regional Development Council, which was very interested in the potential of the industry and the part it could play in the development of New Zealand’s textile industry. “The new venture has the backing of Linen Textiles, Ltd, the South Canterbury Regional Development Council, and the farmers and growers in the district,” Mr Taibot said. “The act is being repealed to enable a new private enterprise company, run by competent commercial people to commence business.

“No-one can guarantee that this company will stay in business for the next 10 or 20 years — but with the enthusiasm and confidence, and the backing the new company will have, we can look forward very positively to a successful operation.” Will to work

Mr D. F. Quigley (Nat., Rangiora) spoke strongly on Wednesday night about the

number of days lost to industry because of industrial strife. He quoted newspaper headings which said: “Only Bullies Succeed.”

“The point I am emphasising is that some sections of the labour force do not want to work.” Mr Quigley said. “It is pointless for the member for Northern Maori (Mr M. Rata) to talk about job opportunity when we have a situation like this rife in the country.” Mr D. R. Lange (Lab., Mangere): Tell that to the people of Hokianga. Mr Quigley: For the benefit of the member for Mangere?

Mr Lange: Tell it to the people of Mangere. Mr Quigley: Perhaps he could tell me where he stands on socialism. Is he a supporter of socialism and the Socialist philosophy? The member nods his head . . . He read from an article in “The Press” of October 20, headed: “What the ‘Villains’ Actually Advocate,” and stating the programme of the Socialist Unity Party. He also quoted answers to questions concerning the work output of the so-called “Red Gang”, which played a prominent part in the recent timber-workers’ strike.

The output of the “Red Gang” at Kaiangaroa was less than half that of normal gangs, Mr Quigley said. “Does the member for Northern Maori support that sort of tactic? What are his views on job opportunities when numerous sections of the New Zealand labour force do not want to work? W’hat about some of those persons moving over to make more employment opportunities for those prepared to work?”