USE OF THE RAILWAYS

Southland Times, Issue 17464, 2 October 1913, Page 2

USE OF THE RAILWAYS

CHILDREN AND FARES. (From Our Parliamentary Reporter), WELLINGTON. October 1A considerable time was spent by the House this afternoon discussing answers given by the Minister of Railways (the Hon. W. H. Herrie§) to questions affecting his Department. In the first place he had said, -in effect, that he could not see his way to increase the age at which children can be carried free. Several members also complained that the regulations prohibited railway servants from carrying on a certain amount of legitimate trade—the selling of mills, for instance, for a sick* child, or to neighbours. As to children’s fares, it was contended, among others, by Sir Joseph Ward that the increase of the age limit would induce parents to travel more frequently, and thus largely increase the volume of traffic.

Replying to the’ debate, the Hon. W. H. Herries said that he would give full attention to the question of rates and fares next year, if the revenue kept up so as to provide the present percentage of profit. He pointed out that. If it dropped from four to three per cent, It might have an effect on the peoixle fromwhom we want money;” Woud they say that it was a sign that New Zealand is falling, back?” he asked. He hoped we would have a good" year. JHa standard was not a four per cent; it wa» three and three-quarteers. "We had a lucky year last year,” he went on to say. "It was very fortunate we had two Easters, and we had a phenomenal season. I believe we shall have a phenomenal season this year, and I am hoping that the Auckland Exhibition will make up for the two Easters last year, but the results for the past quarter have not been satisfactory, a result en-tirely-due to the smallpox scare. The Maoris who, as a general rule. are. great travellers, are not allowed to travel, and that affects the revenue.” .Then, ho J < added, there was a shortage of grain in the south. Grain was a great factor in making the South Island railways pay. As to the children being carried free, the subject had had his earnest attention, and he was not at all unsympathetic; but he had to consider the revenue. In regard to the question of railway servants selling produce or their labour,- . he thought members would agree that railway servants getting good wages, in the -workshops ought not to be’allowed to go out in the evening and compete with capenters or plumbers, or any one -A else. They got complaints from storekeepers and painters and' artisans that the Government servants were competing against them, and the Government had to see that sort of thing was not carried on. ...1..