RAILWAY LOSSES

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 12 September 1930, Page 5

RAILWAY LOSSES

COMPLETION OF LINES

AN INQUIRY PROPOSED

WIDE ORDER OF REFERENCE.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

\\ ELLINGTON. Sept. 11. Hon. E. A. rtansojn gave notice in the House or Representatives to-day oi his intention to move that a committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider the railway lines under construction as enumerated in the statement which was laid on the table oi the House 'by the Prime Minister on August 22, and. to make recommendations thereon, having regard to all relative circumstances, the inquiry to include:

(1) Land settlement and probable development in districts which would lie served by the continuation oi such railways. (2) An estimation of tlie benefit and convenience to the general public. (3) The effect on the finances of the Railway Department. (4) A provision for interest and op■eratng changes in the case of railways where the revenue is estimated to be insufficient.’ (5) The relative cost and utility of rail and road transport of (a) primary products to ports, (b) distribution ol imports, (c) between centres of population, (d) over gaps between uncompleted sections of lines', having regard to cost of transhipments: at existing railheads, (c) for developmental purposes.

(6) The problem of harbour development with relation to the long distances transport of bulky freights such as timber, grain and coal. (7) The extent to which-their Completion will induce additional traffic on existing lines. (8) An unemployment relief committee to consst of Messrs. Healy, Hogan, Howard, Jones/Jordan, Lye, MacMillan, Taverner, Veitch and Waite. Mr. J. G. Coates said in his opinion the order of reference did not cover die whole situation. The relative cost and utility of rail and road transport services should be first on the order of reference, and he believed there should be further provision for inquiry into the present and! ultimate financial effect on the country if the programme. of railway construction recently outlined by the Government were carried cut ; also into the wisdom of expending followed money at the. present high into of interest in view ot the adequacy of road' transport to meet modern, requirement®. He contended that if this aspect were not included, in the' committe’s inquiry it would be possible for the real issue to be side-stepped. The most important question was whether road transport could meet modem economic requirements. Mr. H. B. Holland asked whether the committee would be purely a sessional one or whether it would'sit during the recess as well. He suggested it would not be passible to cope thoroughly n .'ill such an extensive oyder of reference in a comparatively brief space of time. Mr. Ransom said he would be prepared to include in the order of reference tli© aspect to which Mr. Coates had drawn attention. The Government was anxious to have full information and desired to impose no restriction whatsoever.

Mr. Coates asked whether the Govern, ment would also include a clause giving the committee’ power to order any investigations. Mr. Ransom said he would be prepared to consider this. Replying to Mr. Holland Mr. Ransom said he hoped the committee woald be able to complete its report during the session, but if that were not possible the Government would give further consideration to the matter.