CONCLUSION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2413, 31 May 1900, Page 29

CONCLUSION.

From, what I have said, you will observe that the pricc'pal alterations I am now making in the working of the railways apply chiefly to passenger traffic and to the better working of the Tmsenger and goods services, the obtaining of extra rolling stock, and the improvement of the position of the employees. 1 feel confident a^ the result of these chances, which represent concessions to the amount of about £75,000 per annum upon the existing business, that the increase of traffic which will follow will go largely to make up a considerable portion of this at an early date, and before long I expect to find the revenue fully recouped to the extent of the reductions now being- made. I am satisfied that the revenue oE the railway service can well afford the amount that has been conceded. The changes are to come into force on the 28th of June next. They will be watched with considerable inteie3t, and I hope that my predictions here concerning the effects which the changes

will have upon the revenue will be so far 'borne out as to J warrant the Government m further reviewing at an early date the rates applying- to goods, produce, and timber, with a view to giving the public the advantage of still further reductions. If is essential, however, that all changes of importance should be well considered and only made when it is certain that the general revenue of the department is strong enough to safely warrant it baing done. 1 feel that I cannot conclude without paying a tribute to the employees for the uniform courtesy and attention shown by them generally throughout the colony. After travelling through various parts of the world, it is no empty compliment for one to be able to say that our staff is a credit to the colony, end I hope it will not be regarded as in any other spirit than which it is intended if I here impress upon them the supreme importance, while discharging their duties faithfully and helping to achieve the best possible results for the great service to which they belong, of endeavouring to maintain the high standard of civility, general courtesy, and attention which now characterises them. I have no hesitation in saying that if those who travel on our railways display ordinary consideration, they will find the officers of the service ready to assist them in making their travelb through the colony as pleasant and as little irksome as it is possible for them to be.>// It mow only remains for me to thank you. for the warmth and cordiality of the reception that you have extended to nle ' 'Mid for the close attention that you havic-girven to my -remarks. My only desire is ,th£t. the .reforms effected will prove to be for'tho general good of the colony, which, I haye 'every hope, will prove to be the caa?. The railway system, as it is now propesad, will, I believe, be productive of much good in the future, and Lhope that as many of you as can afford to do it will take advantage of the cheap services, and will go to the cold lakes and the Hanmer Springs, and you will be all the better for it. — (Loud applause.) The remarks of the hon. gentleman were received throughout with enthusiastic. ap|"plauge. and the statement of changes in the local lines was vociferously cheered. Mr G Robertson (Biverton) moved, and Mr 11. Stewart (Drommond] seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to the Minister for his address. The vote was carried with acclamation, and on the motion of Mr Johnston, seconded by Mr Rhodes, the following motion v. as carried unanimously: — "That a vote of con- | lidence be accorded to the present Government, oncl particularly to the Mmistei of Railways, for the railway policy he has disclosed in his speech. Cheers were given for the Hon. Mr and Mrs Ward,- and the meeting concluded.