RAILWAY REFORMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 June 1923, Page 2

RAILWAY REFORMS

MINISTERIAL DI SCLAIMER. (Special to “Star.”) WELLINGTON, June 22. In reporting a recent deputation, a Wellington paper criticised the new Minister of Railways (Hon. J. G. Coates) with the statement that ho intended to pursue a, progressive railway policy. Much to the enjoyment of the Liberals Mr. Coate s denied this to-day. “I don’t mind you laughing, because I have not framed a progressive policy,” said the 'Minister. “A progressive railway policy cannot be framed within a few minutes. I promised that I would go very fully into the request for the re-instatement of the week-end excursion fares between Dunedin and Queenstown, and I also stated that any concession agreed to would be applicable to the whole Dominion. I said that I would endeavour to give a reply before November. I would not like it to be generally understood that I have already framed a new policy for the Railway Department, and that I am carrying it about in my pocket. I have not been in office long enough for that and it is only fair that I should make this statement to the House.

A member of the deputation Mr. J. Horn, endorsed the Minister’s remarks, and said that evidently there had been some misunderstanding. He could assure the House that he was not responsible for the circulation of the statement that the Minister had prepared a progressive railway policy.