THE RAILWAYS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3765, 11 May 1926, Page 68

THE RAILWAYS.

GOOD WOKE BY COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT. CONFERENCE IN WELLINGTON. (From Ocb Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, May 5. There are undoubtedly some live men in the commercial branch of the Railways Department, and the spade work they have been engaged in is already bearing fruit. Recently a conference of this branch was held here. The Prime Minister, who attended in his capacity as Minister of Railways, opened the proceedings and expressed great pleasure at the results of the efforts of the branch. He urged the members present to explore every possible avenue of new business and to see that everything possible was done in the way of giving good service to the public. The main question discussed was whether the Railways Department would be justified in going on the road, and the members present were unanimously of the opinion that the time had arrived for the undertaking of road transport in localities where such was likely to be a sound economic proposition. The arguments put forth at the conference will no doubt he given due weight in the consideration of the plan by the department. All avenues in regard to special excursions to meet public requirements and in the direction of stimulating new business were discussed, and those excursions which proved successful this year will be repeated and a numbor of others introduced. It was decided to try out a new idea for giving fanners and others facilities for an exchange of visits between their respective districts The business agents are going into the question or arranging for the running of a special train from the Waikato district at cheap rates to enable the residents of that district to visit Ilawera at the time of the forthcoming show in June next. At a later date *the Railways Department will give facilities for residents of the Taranaki district to pay a return visit to the Waikato if the traffic is likely to he sufficient. It is the intention of the department to extend these facilities wherever business is offering The question of the introduction of “red cap” porters was discussed and the experiments at Wellington and Auckland were favourably reported upon. It was decided to recommend the extension of the *‘ied cap” porter system. Suggestions were put forward in regard to the use of rail motors, and proposals were made for their use in conjunction with the use of steam trains and road motors. The effect of commercialising the Railways Department was discussed, and it was shown that the staff had responded in a remarkable manner, and that the department has the co-operation of all branches of the service in its efforts to improve matters. It was stated that not only those actually coming in contact with the public in connection with the transit of passengers and goods had worked as business getters, but men on the track—locomotive men and others—had also done a great deal to foster a good relationship between the public and the Railways Department. It was decided to continue the practice of representatives of the commercial blanch attending A. and P. shows, etc., in order to keep in touch with the clients of the department. Very beneficial results are being obtained in this direction. Matters in connection with the Railway Magazine were discussed and suggestions in regard to articles affecting the commercial branch of the Railways Department were formulated. It was decided that matters which came under the notice of the commercial branch and which it would he desirable to advise the staff of would be published in the magazine. At Wellington a system had been devised which passengers for the South Island can reserve seats and obtain particulars of seat numbers from the railway booking officer at Wellington without reference to Christchurch. Similarly Hastings passengers could reserve without waiting for advice from Napier. It was stated that this system had given a great deal of satisfaction to the public. It was decided to extend it wherever possible. Tho members present reported that the department, had now linked up with carriers at practically every station in New Zenlano where it was advisable and possible to do so, and that the department was now in a position to nuote the cartage rates in most localities. This system had been found to be very helpful to clients and to tho department in stimulating its business. An immense amount of detail matter was discussed at the conference. These conferences are held periodically, nnd if the present one is any criterion much benefit will accrue.