MODERNISING THE RAILWAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18756, 9 July 1924, Page 10

MODERNISING THE RAILWAYS.

Two important items in the programme of modernising the railways in New Zealand are the subjects of statements by the Minister. It is gratifying to know that an inquiry has been commenced regarding the operation of suburban services, not only because it is necessary that the most economical method of traction should be employed, but also because any study of the question must direct the attention of the department to the need and the advantage of fostering a part of its business that has been seriously neglected. The other matter discussed by the Minister was" the revision of the goods tariff, which is probably the most antiquated thing in the whole system. There has not been a general revision for over thirty years, and a herculean task has been accomplished in consolidating all the amendments of that period in a reprinted tariff. Perhaps the mosst important of the Minister's remarks is that the department is now dealing with the anomalies. Unfortunately, it cannot be accepted literally, for Mr. Coates also says that hitherto the department has made the same charges to all for the same service. It is well known that the greatest anomaly in the tariff, illustrated in a multitude of items, is that charges for the same service are not uniform. Special rates fixed many years ■ ago to meet local competition are still in force in certain districts, though the competition has disappeared. Flourishing industries still enjoy concessions that were given to help

them in their infancy, while similar enterprises in other districts, pay the full rates. Many definite illustrations of such discrimination have been given, but the representations of outsiders' have never been noticed by the department; Mr. Coates now proposes, in spite of departmental disfavour of such pro ceedings, to consult the users of the railways—there is no doubt of their ability to point to many weaknesses in the tariff. By the elimination of such anachronisms, the department would recover a substantial amount of revenue, and would thus be in a stronger position to meet present competition and to grant general concessions. The essential consideration is that the railways should be independent of subsidies from taxation, and one step toward that independence is to relieve them of the cost of subsidising, other\ interests.' The department will have enough to do in maintaining its business against real competition without the handicap of carrying goods at rates that are How only because there was competition a quarter of a century ago.