NOT GOOD BUSINESS.

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 7, 8 July 1922, Page 7

NOT GOOD BUSINESS.

Some fairly direct criticism—from a supporter—was directed against Government railway and postal administration by Mr. A. Harris (Waitemata) in the House of Representatives yesterday. Concerning the railways, Mr. Harris argued that private competition was taking the trade. The Railway Department was following the unsound principle that to increase the revenue it must increase the charges. Between Auckland and Onehunga empty trains were run, because goods could be carried by motorlorry. The train between Auckland and Newmarket xaifcempty because the fare was 6d. second-class, while people could make the same journeys in the trams for 3d. He was pleased to see that now the Railway Department was ,to have a board and means of getting in touch with the public. He hoped this would result in a change of method, for the competition would increase as. roads throughout the country were improved. It was the same with the Postal Department. With a shilling charge for telegrams fewer were sent than formerly, and_ the increased postal charges had had a similar result. Business houses now delivered their accounts by message boy, and invoices were enclosed with goods. Dr. Thacker: "And this is the Government you vote for!" Mr. Harris: "Because it is the only Government it is possible to vote for, as the lion, membei knows, but it' is my duty to criticise the Government and endeavour to improve the administration."

Mr. Harris added that now new telephone charges were spoken of, but he hoped the effect of the increase would bo very carefully considered.