RAILWAY TARIFF

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 148, 26 June 1925, Page 6

RAILWAY TARIFF

TIME FOR DISCUSSION

MINISTER REMOVES MISAPPRE-

HENSION.

When seen to-day with regard to steps taken by the Railway Department to give all interested sections of, the community an opportunity of perusing and discussing the proposals in the tariff before they we're brought into operation; the Hon. J. G. Coates (Minister of Railways) stated that from statements he had read in the Press it was clear some little misapprehension existed as to his intentions in the matter.

';■': He fully subscribed to the view thai. the gublic had every' right to. ba apr proached amd their representations heard! onmatters;in;which'they.'were vitally mi; terested,' and-' in deciding- some, time'ago' tocirculate the board's tariff proposals he was carrying out that poiicy."' • It ; would be quite obvious, however,; that;-with a: work of such magnitude the discussions would go on indefinitely-unless the various ; organisations: set; up small; committees to thresh out the contentious matters with: the board. /..Consequently,it was; decided to .'circulate, the proposals/to what 'might:.be termed.the parent.body of each- organisation,. such as the 'Associated Chambers "of Commerce, If ew: Zea^ land' Farmers' lUnion,,Coal Mine .Owners' Federation, :etc. / • When -the points:. in .dispute have been; thoroughly' ventilated, the board's" proposals will be! submitted to the Government-and final decisions given.:/ ':'[■-, ".[;:■'':■■''■'?.'■'- .- >■■■■■' ■'.:'■-.■■■./:■■■■■ - " The public may' rest assured/ 'said Mr./ Coates, v "-'.that .every -facility is"-be-ing given' for parties to place their views before!the .Railway -.Board, and no-increases in: rates will be into operation 1 until reasoliable time has been allowed ; :for discussion;" ; '■/**: -.• :