RAILWAY CONCESSIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23067, 18 June 1938, Page 17

RAILWAY CONCESSIONS

ACTION BY MR. BARRELL STATEMENT CORRECTED [from our own correspondent] Hamilton, Friday A denial of the statement that he had made representations to the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, in support of the request for railway concessions in connection with the. transport of replacement stock and had been refused was made to-day by Mr. C. A. Barrell, M.P. Mr. Barrell stated that the facts were that Mr. G. de Vere Chitty had npproached him and pointed out that help was especially necessary on account of the high price of stock in Hawke's Bay. Mr. Barrell said he had replied that he would gladly make representations to the authorities, but that he would like to be assured first that free railage would not be merely a means of assisting to exploit the local farmers, and that the Hawke's Bay sellers and 'he middlemen were all co-operating. Mr. Barrell added that Mr. Chitty had stated that he was willing to do hi 3 part in this direction, but he spoke for himself only. Air. Barrell said ho heard nothing further on this important point. "To put the mattor plainly," said Mr. Barrell, "Mr. Chitty did not give mo the assurance I wanted, nor did anyone else, and I ain still waiting for it." Mr. Barrell said the statement that he had put the request to the Prime Minister and was refused was simply not correct, and certainly did not come from him. What he did was to get into touch with the Bailway Department, from which he learned that there was no authority to grant rebates. He was informed that application could be made and would be duly sent on to the Minister for decision.. Unfortunately, through illness, he was not able to communicate this to Mr. Chittv.