RAILWAY CHANGES

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 117, 14 November 1930, Page 10

RAILWAY CHANGES

COMMISSION'S EEPOET

SOME LEGISLATION NEEDED

In addition to considering further increases in schedule rates, the Minister of Railways (the Hon. W. A. Voitch) is going into the question of giving effect to other recommendations contained in the recent report of tho Railway Commission. Replying to a question to-day, Mr. Vcitch stated that the Government had commenced as soon as tho session was over—in fact, much was done befor* Parliament was prorogued —to carry; out the Commission's recommendaI tions, in order to endeavour to restor* the financial position .with as little delay as possible. Some of the recommendations had already been put into operation, and others were being considered. "So far as concerns tho proposed closing of branch lines recommended, by tho Commission," ho saitl, "only this week I have made a number of decisions, and they will be made public' in duo course. With minor alterations, most of the recommendations with respect to branch lines will bo adopted. Some are being held over for further consideration." METHOD OF CONTROL. Asked if it was proposed to giva effect to tho recommended change of control, placing the management of tho railways under a Board of Directors, the Minister said that the present constitution could not be altered without legislation. Meanwhile Ii» was concentrating on strengthening the finances of the system so far as ho could. Most of the Commission's recommendations could be dealt with, without legislation. "Naturally," he added, "I am working on those immediately, and leaving such as do Tequiro legislation for consideration by Cabinet after the Prime Minister has returned from England."