OUR RAILWAYS.

Evening Star, Issue 14495, 21 February 1911, Page 7

OUR RAILWAYS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The Hon. Mr Millar is reported to have said in Central Otago that many of the railways in the North Island were showing a return of 4$ per cent, on their cost. Also, it was reported in the papers that the same Minister, speaking at Auckland, gave his opinion that the North of Auckland railway would not pay 5 per cent. The ’Hon. Mr Millar again and again has quoted the earnings in per cent, of the Otago Central, ranging from 6s per cent, to 14s per cent. Thus Otago's Central Railway is looked upon by other provinces os a “ white elephant.” So far, so good. Let the Hon. Mr Millar be fair to all the provinces; and let the people of New Zealand know—(l) What are the earnings per cent, of Canterbury’s “ white elephant,” the Midland Railway; (2) what are the earnings per cent, of the North of Auckland Railway, leaving out, of course, the Whangarci section. Mr Millar explained that the railway can never compete with water. True! How will the North of Auckland Railway pay with good water communication on both sides of the peninsula? The Midland Railway has not a ghost of a chance to pay.—l am, etc., Elector. February 20.