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New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9629, 9 April 1917, Page 4

“The gross , favouritism displayed towards the South Island in the new railway 'timetable has excited very general attention, and is strongly .resented by all.who believe that, the North in entitled to fair and equitable consideration; in all national affairs,” says the “New Zealand Herald” in the course of an editorial on the new timetable. It adds: “This is the hard fact: that there is to be''no reduction of express services between Christchurch and Dunedin upon , a - Main Trunk system, which does not pay interest on the cost of its construction; while between Auckland and Wellington, upon a Main Trunk system - which not only pays its way but also makes up the annual southern deficit, express facilities are being reduced by one-half. In addition, it should b 0 noted, daylight expresses axe the rule in the south, where their obvious advantages are not only recognised hut secured. Their fast trains do,not run in the midnight hours through sleeping countrysides, although Our trains' have to do this in order to connect with them. The South Islanders know what is best for them, and obtain it at our expense. We could have the same facilities if there were anv such interest taken in our northern wants as is taken in the wants of the south, and if the Auck-land-Wellington trains were speeded up, as they could easily be. But, however that may be, at least we a re entitled to see the South Island sharing war reductions in the new railway timetable.”