THE RAILWAYS

Southland Times, Issue 17059, 4 June 1912, Page 3

THE RAILWAYS

DISCUSSED AUD CRITICISED. AUCKLAND, June 3. Speaking at a banquet at Manurewa on Saturday night to celebrate the improved suburban railway service, the Hon. A. M. Myers said he had made the provision of more regular and more rapid suburban trains a feature of his policy, with the cordial support of every member of the Ministry. The Government was determined to carry out, a progressive policy. They regarded increased suburban services as a step in the right direction. As a business man, he believed it was desirable to anticipate traffic by providing a service that would eventually become profitable. During tliis year an expenditure of not less than £50,000 would be made on new rolling stock. The Department was also spending £25,000 on Improvement of grades and curves. i Discussing the administration of the -railways, Mr Massey said that in no other State service was there so much improvement needed. He suggested that the Government appoint a special Parliamentary committee to investigate its administration. One matter that demanded inquiry was that of local and preferential rating, which was full of anomalies that made its operation unfair. unjust, and decidedly unbusinesslike.’ Under the existing system country residents were charged about 70 per cent, more than residents in suburban areas when they travelled over suburban lines. While acknowledging that the men managing the railways system were doing good work. Mr Massey said that the time had arrived when the system should he modernised. The Government should obtain the most expert management it was possible to secure for money. He also advocated a trial of motor carriages, which would be able to carry 70 passengers at 15 miles per hour. They had already been found successful in Victoria and Nssw South Wales. .