RAILWAY RENEWALS

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 16, 4 October 1929, Page 8

RAILWAY RENEWALS

— ———■ * A PRESSING PROBLEM. In 1925 Ui renewal fund for the Railway Department was established with a contribution from the revenue of £553,891. Up to the end of the financial year 1928-29 a total contribution of £2,397,988 has been made out of revenue. During the same period the fund has been called upon to the extent of £1,009,968 for the purpose for which it was established, leaving a credit of £1,328, 020 as at March 31 last.

“It is necessary to point out”, says the Minister of Railways, in his annual statement, “that the making of adequate provision for renewals in a system as vast as that ot the railways, and one in which such a large amount [of capital has been 'invested in assets, ‘which rightliy must he regarded as of a wasting nature, is a matter of which opinions might differ as to what is not adequate provision. It is admittedly difficult when any business is conducted at a loss to keep contributions of this nature up to a correct standard. At the same time it is obvious and needs no demonstration. that unless that standard of contribution is maintained the ultimate strain upon the revenue of the department for renewals and replacements must ho in a increasing ratio as the years pass. The position in this regard, is .very vividly .brought out by the reference made in the general manager’s report under the heading of “Bridges”. The department has over fifty miles of bridges, many of which are now due for renewal or ‘strengthening.} This 'will call for a heavy outlay. The country in making up this deficiency is simply paying 'back something it should not have had 1 in the first plane”.