RAILWAY MANAGEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9546, 25 June 1894, Page 6

RAILWAY MANAGEMENT.

Mr. P. A. Vaile sends us a correspondence he has had with the railway authorities, and doing so write* From time to time letters appear in your columns with reference to the vexatious treatment meted out by the railway authorities to the general public. Ido not often trouble you, but I must ask you now to allow me space to lay before your readers a matter in which I think the public have cause for complaint. The correspondence will explain itself. My chief complaint against the railway authorities is that they do not conduct their traffic on business-like lines. Can you imagine Mr. F. Andrew, the enterprising coach proprietor of Otahuhu, refusing to allow me to pay £o, £4, and £2 10s, instead of £11 IDs in one sum. Vet this is what our sapient Commissioners are doing. I and many others have been travelling on the lines as ' regulars' for years. A businesslike firm would show us some consideration. The railway department shows us none." Auckland, '20 th September, IS!G. The Commissioners of the New Zealand Railways, Wellington. Sirs,—Some tew months ago a deputation from the residents of (Jtahuiiu interviewed the Chief Commissioner with regard to certain matters in connection with the railway service between that station and Auckland. Amongst other matters mentioned was the very great difference between the price of your quarterly or two haltyearly and one annual season ticket. At present an annual first-class ticket, Otahuhu to Auckland, costs £11 10s; two half-yearly tickets, £11; and four quarterlies, t'Ki. The membirs of the deputation expressed the opinion that the difference was excessive, and asked the Chief Commissioner to endeavour Co arrange some scale, whereby those who found it inconvenient to pay down the larger amount should be able to derive the benefit of the cheaper fare allowed for the longer period. It was suggested that a scale should be used which would be much more convenient for the general public, and which would also prevent people getting cheap quarterly tickets on the pretence of intending to take out annual tickets ; as, for instance, on the annual first —Otahuhu to Auckland—the first quarter might be charged off the second £1, and the remainder of the year £2 10s, which would always leave the railway authorities on the right side. The remarks of the deputation seemed to find favour with the Chief Commissioner, as he recognised the fact that the concession asked for would he a great advantage to many without in any way causing a loss of revenue, and he promised that the matter should receive consideration. Since then the deputation has received an oilicial answer to other matters which were discussed at the beforementioned interview, but as no reply has been received on the point above mentioned, we venture to remind you of the question, and ask that you will give the same your early attention. —We arc, etc., i'. A. Vaile, and others. The above letter was acknowledged, and it was stated that ttie matter would receive consideration, On the 7th May .Mr. Vailo wrote again, stating that the memorialists prayed for an answer. On May '21, not having received any reply beyond a formal acknowledgment, he again addressed the Commissioners, and then the following letter was received : — Wellington, May .>O, 1894. Sir, —With reference to your letter of the 7th iust., receipt of which 1 had the honour to aeknowlege on the I Ith instant, in regard to the rates for annual season tickets, and for tickets of shorter duration, 1 am directed by the Railway Commissioners to intorm you that at present they do not see their way to comply with the request contained in letter dated '20th September, Will, signed by yourself and others, that a scale of payment for season tickets be arranged, whereby persons travelling all the year round will be able to take out and pay for season tickets for shorter periods, and rej ceive the benefit of the cheaper rate allowed I for the longer period.—l am, etc., F. O. PILCHEK, Secretary.