TRANSPORT PROBLEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20303, 10 July 1929, Page 12

TRANSPORT PROBLEMS.

ROAD AND RAIL SERVICES.

VALUE OF CO-OPERATION.

CONDITIONS IN AUSTRALIA

MR. STERLING'S IMPRESSIONS

Conditions in Australia with regard to road and rail transport competition arc practically the samo as those in New Zealand, according to Mr. 11. 11. Sterling. General Manager of Railways, who returned by the Ulimaroa yesterday after attending the conference of Australian and Now Zealand railway managers at Adelaide. Opportunity was given to him to investigate various transport problems, and he has formed conclusions which will bo embodied in a repoit to the Government.

"Road construction is going on in Australia just as it is in New Zealand," Mr. Sterling said. "It is opening tho way for unregulated services, and the railways, a national asset, are being adversely affected, i do not suggest that the competition from motor transport should bo forcibly removed. The whole position should be investigated and placed on a sound and economic footing."

The feeling was growing in Australia that the various transport parties should co-operate so as to stabilise the industry. It was felt that tho present state of affairs could not exist much longer, as both forms of transport met with so many conflicting interests. Fair competition stimulated-business, but "cutthroat methods and business piracy" could only result in destroying it on all sides.

''The spirit of hostility appears to lie on the wane." Mr. Stirling added. "In its place a spirit of co-operation is being developed for the purpose of obtaining the best results from the industry as a whole. All over the world road transport has come to stay, but. it must act in conjunction with and not in opposition to the railways."

Mr. Sterling made inquiries into other phases of the transport business and gained information which ho hopes to use with success in the running of New Zealand railways. Ho wishes to make his report to the Government as soon as possible, as the whole question of transport requires urgent consideration. Mr. Sterling spoko in high terms of the courtesy of his Australian hosts. He was treated excellently during his trip, which embraced visits to South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. With Mrs. Sterling, who accompanied him on the tri/, lie left for Wellington by train last evening.