Comment on Current Topics

Northland Age, Volume 1, Issue 10, 11 December 1931, Page 10

Comment on Current Topics

THREATENED NORTHERN LINE IN a speech in the Legislative Council last March, part of which we reprint in this issue, Mr. Vernon H. Reed pointed out the mistaken ideas on which the present policy of the Railway Board is based. If one portion of a line is closed it reacts unfavourably on the portions left open, and if the policy is persisted in it will mean the gradual closing of all the Northern line north of Hikurangi, since at present that is the end of the paying portion of the line, and the loss of the present Otiria-Okaihau traffic would intensify this. If the threat is carried out a large part of the present Northern passenger traffic from Auckland and points on the Main Line is likely to be diverted to Waiotira Junction. If the line is closed the amount spent on its construction will, of course, be lost, but interest on the amount will have to be paid just the same. A certain amount will have to be spent on keeping the line in condition against the time when an increase in population and traffic would justify its re-opening in the eyes of the Board. The permanent employees would be transferred elsewhere at, for some time, an additional charge to the railway revenue if the places to which they are transferred are already sufficiently staffed. The additional traffic thrown on the roads would involve a higher cost of maintenance and, until we get derating, increased local rates. The farmer will have to pay increased freight on his fertilisers and on the heavy goods at present carried by the railways, at a time when everyone is urging that farming costs should be reduced. When all these factors are considered it will be seen that any saving to the Railway Board will be more than offset by the loss to the people collectively. The question should be looked at in the light of our whole transport system and how to make the best and most economical use of the transport facilities at present available. A start was made in this direction with the Transport Bill passed last session, but without waiting to see what effect this would have the Railway Board is now threatening immediate action. It is dictating practically impossible terms, and unless its action is to be regarded as largely bluff, the fate of the unpaying lines may be regarded as sealed. The Board takes the narrow commercial view of the railways, that they must be made to pay directly at any cost to the country at large. The fears expressed as to this when the Bill was before Parliament are apparently to be justified.