BRANCH RAILWAYS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21253, 5 August 1932, Page 15

BRANCH RAILWAYS

Sir, —May J" be permitted 'to reply to "Taneatua and Waiuku." I know both districts well. If your correspondent believes what he. has written re prosperity in these districts since the coining of the railways, then for his answer I. would refer him to'factory returns, bank returns, show him the increased production of the districts, and their general appearance. If he won't change his mind then I say there aro nono so blind as those who won't see. The percentage increase iii these concerns since the railways came, compared with ten or 20 years ago, are phenomenal. The increased production has come about by the use of fertilisers and fodder, mtvde more accessible to tho farmers by cheap freight. Motor transport could not carry fertilisers for four times tho freight nor produce for twice. Tho county councils use the railways for haulage of the metal required, because motors could not liaul over the same area for four times the freight. Increased road traffic means increased taxes, while increase of railways traffic means . less taxes. "Taneatua and Waiuku" misunderstands me entirely. He acknowledges this in referring me to the horse and coach days. I am quite prepared to allow motor transport to run from railheads to out districts, but not to run in competition with tho railway lino, from railhead to railhead, except, as a connecting link. Lastly, the freight as charged. by tho railways has been so for years, and is not the result of competition on the goods I have mentioned. I admit tho railways requird reorganising, and this is why tho Railway Board was appointed. Many farmers and others who are concerned re this matter of closing the line have stated quite plainly that they would Booner see a, tax put on the areas than that tho lines be closed. As to motor transport opening up more country than' railways, you'll find that the old horse and coach excelled, and excels, iu this respect. Dominion Welfare.