THE VAILE SYSTEM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 12661, 15 September 1904, Page 4

THE VAILE SYSTEM.

Although the Seddon Government has rushed into all kinds of experiments, some of them of a very risky character, it steadily refuses to give the Vaile system a trial on the Auckland railways, notwithstanding Sir Joseph Ward's admission that it would lead to an enormous increase of traffic. We confess that the attitude of the Government in this matter is quite incomprehensible. The Vaile system is not a doubtful experiment. It is in force in a number of countries, and wherever it has been tried it has beea attended with complete success. There is no reason why it should not be equally successful in New Zealand, yet all attempts to induce the Government to give it a trial have failed. The only argument which the Minister for Railways could bring against it in the course of the discussion on the question in the House yesterday was that the increase of traffic would be so great as to necessitate a considerable addition to the rolling stock. • But this surely is an argument in its favour. If it would popularise the use of the railways to the extent which Sir Joseph Ward

is compelled to admit, no stronger reason for its adoption could be advanced, assuming -that our railways are intended for the use of the masses and not of the few. However, he made an offer which we hope may lead to some action 'being taken. He stated that he was willing, in the event of a cash guarantee being given, to make a trial of the system, and that if a profit resulted such profit would be handed over to the guarantors- It is, of course, manifestly wrong that private individuals should be called upon to undertake a public duty which clearly belongs to the Government of the country, but there appears to be no other alternative as long as the present Ministry remains in office, if the Vaile system is to be given a trial. It is to be regretted that the House was not permitted''to give a decision in the matter, for we believe that a majority would have been found in favour of the system.