THE CANADIAN RAILWAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14250, 22 December 1909, Page 5

THE CANADIAN RAILWAYS.

Sir,— I intrude on your generosity by ; asking space for a 'reply to your correspon* dent's letter in Thursday's Herald over tho ■ name of "Traveller" regarding railway 7 management in New Zealand, compared j with Canada. Having just returned trom -a : trip to that country, arid having spent soma time there, I claim to have some knowledge. To begin with, " Traveller " refers •to a , friend, and, Kke many other people, is ready to make little of the New Zealand system ' without knowing the true facta of the case, other than by hearsay. He says State ownership is a failure, and that the public aro better served by a monopoly such as exists . in Canada. How is it that the trip from Montreal to Vancouver, which costs 65 dollars (about £13 in our money), if run at • the same rate as New Zealand long distanca ■ journeys would cost £6 4s. Ihon, what i f about paying 2i dollars (10s) for a sleeping* _ ■ berth on the Canadian railways, and my* thine from 75 cents (3s 2d) to a dollar and a-half (6s 3d) for a meal. * Compare this with our New Zealand rates, and you will find our rates, are again about, one-half.',, Then, again, he talks of civility. He says.there is none here, but I can assure him, after, having ' travelled extensively in both , countries, that New Zealand •is as far aheadin that, respect as in faros, .civility being unknown in Canada. I am convinced, after haying visited several ~' other countries, including Canada. United , States, and England, that, the New Zealand system stands out on its own for civility, comfort, and cheapness. .The. only , thing wo are lacking in is owed, but vj'-c., are only V young, and that will come in time. John HOPE. < ..a • .- V,";— 7 r ' i -