FINANCE OF THE RAILWAYS

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1930, Page 3

FINANCE OF THE RAILWAYS

COMING INVESTIGATION

AN INDICATION OF ITS SCOPE

WELLINGTON, June i

The new Cabinet has already had under discussion the railway investigation promised by the Prime Alinister in last week’s survey of Dominion finance. It is intended to commence this important inquiry immediately the personnel of the Commission can he arranged, as Cabinet has already decided what questions are to be sunmitted to it.

'i lio new l'rime Minister, when act-ing-leader of the House last session. Pad to deal with a no-eonfidence debate based on the Ward Gowernincnrs railway constrnetiou policy. Answering critics of some of the extensions, Mr Forbes stated without, equivocation that lie favoured an economic investigation of all railway extension proposals before Parliament was asked to authorise them, in his present position of control it can be confidently anticipated that Mr Forbes will carry on the promise which means an ovohnul of the ; construction programme already authorised by Parliament. This is, an entirely separate question from that of current losses on railway working, and it will not be submitted to the Commission which undertakes the investigation of operating lines. This Commission will be asked to .report on the best policy to adopt in respect of a number ol branch lines wliiiili are exrtro.incly unprofitable, and to call for the fullest information from railway officials regarding details of operating costs and methods, with the object, if possible of recommending substantial economies. The now Minister of Railways, the Hon W. A. Veitch, is not likely to await the result of a lengthy inquiry, hut will endeavour to bring in economies promptly where his practical experience suggests that they are possible.