TO RECOVER BUSINESS

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 28, 1 August 1924, Page 6

TO RECOVER BUSINESS

RAILWAY COMMERCIAL BRANCH COMBATING MOTOR COMPETITION*. In order to overcome as far as possible the serious effects of motor competition with the railways, the Railway Department is to have a special commercial branch, the duty of whicli will be to encourage people to travel on the railways. The new policy jn regard ,to» transportation reorganisation was set out in the following statement, made by the Minister of Railways, last night:— "It has become abundantly clear," ho said, ' "during the past year that road competition has developed to such a degree as to call for definite action on the part of the Government with the object of recovering the business lost. It has been decided, therefore, to institute a commercial branch on the transports- . tion side and select officers whose duty it will be to encourage the use of the. railways in every, possible direction, by offerin every facility to the Department's clients to ensure satisfactory service, and generally keeping in close touch with sales, shows, sporting events, . and other large, public . gatherings to secure as much additional traffic as possible. "Air. D. Rodie, at present'district traffic manager, Invercargill, is being transferred to Wellington to take charge of this branch, and will have associated with him officers who are considered especially suitable for this particular class of work. Mr. W. O. Ennis, assistant district traffic manager, Christchurch, is being promoted to district traffic manager, Invercargill, to replace Mr. Rodie. . i "Special attention will be given to methods adopted in the older countries to secure traffic, and it is .anticipated that the step taken will result iii a more satisfactory service to all concerned." A question in respect to suburban fares was asked by Mr. A. L. Slonteith (Wellington East), in the House of Representatives yesterday. He stated that suburban travellers, who purchased weekly tickets, say, between Wellington and Paekakariki, found that, if their employment took them to Jfgaio. they were called on to pay full fare. The Minister replied that the object of the suburban fares was to encourage people to live beyond the city, and it was intended to apply to the journey from the home to the city, not for intermediate stations on occasions. The demands for concessions did not come from those enjoying the privileges of workers' tickets, but from. those who wanted to break journeys and secure benefits they were not entitled to. He expected to make a. full statement shortly in regard to suburban fares.