OUR RAILWAYS: THE WHANGAREI COAL TRAFFIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9182, 11 October 1888, Page 6

OUR RAILWAYS: THE WHANGAREI COAL TRAFFIC.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, Since the publication of my letter in your issue of the Sth instant, I am told that the friends and supporters of the present no-system of railway administration claim that the wonderful results shown at Whangarei are not due to the introduction of the new system, but are due solely to the "greatly increased coal traffic which is now going on there." The following figures will show how little —how very little —these people know of what they are talking about: — The period under review is for the twelve (12) weeks ending ISth August last, as compared with the corresponding period of 1887, which is the latest return published. It shows an increase of 1375 tons of coal carried, which, at 2s per ton—the total charge—yielded only £137 10s—while the improved revenue was £448. This effectually disposes of that argument, but there is further evidence.

The coal traffic on this line was at its best in 1886, and Mr. Maxwell, in his report to the House, selected that year to compare with the present one, as giving him the best results. This is how the two periods coinpare :— Coal carried during June, July, ?,nd August, 1886, 6149 tons ; coal carried during the same period in 1888, only 40SI tons, or 2068 tons loss than in the former year. The twelve weeks in 1386, notwithstanding the much larger trade done, only yielded £22 4s of net revenue ; while this year we have £275 of net revenue for the corresponding period. If this improvement is not due to the introduction of the new system, will some of my opponents point out to what it is due ? It appears to me to be abundantly clear that we have the remedy for the present) depression in our own hands. By altering the system of railway administration, not only could we get entirely rid of that curse of the colonythe property tax—but we could also admit duty free every article required to assist in developing our local industries.— am, &c.. SamuelVaile. Auckland, 10th October, ISSB. P.S.—The coal rate on this line is 2s per ton for the seven miles. The charge in New South Wales for the same service is lOd (tenpence) per ton. S.V.