PROSPERITY AND RAILWAYS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23115, 13 August 1938, Page 19

PROSPERITY AND RAILWAYS

Sir, —It is true that for some time, owing to tho increased price the British consumer is able and willing to pay for New Zealand's butter and cheese, the Dominion has been enjoying, with Australia, a measure of prosperity, but what may be termed "local" prosperity is well illustrated by the operating results of the Government railways for last year. When wo look into the facts, as disclosed in tho report by the Minister of Railways, what do we find? Exactly what we find with other Government departments—in times of prosperity a greater loss than ever. According to the Minister, last year showed an increase in operating railway revenue of more than a million. Not revenue (so-called) was some £632,000. This was more than £450,000 below that of the previous year. The figures do not take into account interest on loan capital invested in the railways. The net result is that on the operation of the Dominion's railways the general taxpayer has to find nearly £2,000,000 for the payment of interest. I repeat, results show this "local" prosperity is typical of practically every Government department. The Labour Government has made no addition to the wealth of the community. Is it not time electors woke up to the facts? Sane Labour.