HON. A. M. MYERS IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13413, 10 May 1912, Page 6

HON. A. M. MYERS IN CHRISTCHURCH.

DELUGED'WITH DEPUTATIONS.

HIS TODit OF INSPECTION

LUnited Press Association.]

Christchurch, May 9

The Hon. A. M. Myers, .Minister of Railways, who arrived in Christchurch tiiis morning, spoilt an exceedingly busytwo hours before ivm-ch. ' Deputations, public and private, succeeded on» another with no breathing space between. When the last had been disposed of ftir. Myers made a brief statement touching the object of'his visit to the South Island. "My tour of the South Island," Mr. Myers said, "is taken with a view of examining the railway system, and of meeting the oilieers of tho departments over wliich 1 preside. It is' essential that one should have; some personal information in regard to many matters before adjudicating upon them. A,s I intimated to one deputation this morning, it is contemplated that the railway facilities at the Christchurch station shall be increased, and to that end I am being furnished with full reports by my departmental officers. Everywhere. Igo I find that owing to tho increased tramc demands are being made for improvements. This I view with sonic satisfaction, as it discloses the fact that_ thci demands are made because of the increased development of the country. It is nly desire that the Railway Department should rcieognis© its responsibility as a public carrier, and should give every reasonable facility to our customers. It is quite clear, however, that this, like every other question, is govcrnircl by the i\U important question of finance, and one lias to recognise the financial aspect of affairs before coming to a final conclusion. The policy of the Department will be_ to carry out those of the demands which are thci most urgent.". The Minister was asked whether he would say anything on the Question of railway extension, particularly as affecting the South Island Main Trunk line. "I fully recognise the important part transit plays in tho development of our Dominion," lie said, "and while there is such an enormous portion of its resources still undeveloped, the Railway Department has by no m^ans reached, its limit. I. believe that it is desirable always to obtain the fullest data and information first, and it is impossible to launch a comprehensive schemo until that has been done."

A iargc* deputation, representing the Fruitgrowers' Association, was introduced to tho Minister by Mr. Gco. Witty, M.P.

Mr. Witty said that.at one time timber for fruit cases was carried free on tho railways, but owing to the selfishness of a timber firm which sent for timbcu1 350 miles away in order to save a half-penny per case, the concession was withdrawn, and tho free carriage for 100 miles was substituted. The deputation wanted to ask for free carriage of timbrir from the nearest milling district. Failing that they asked that half the white pine measurement rate be charged, or not more than l£d per case. They were raally paying 2-J-d per case in tho meantime. At present the ''shooks" had to be put in bundles, and that was objected ■ to.

The deputation suggested that the concession should be made only to bona fidf> fruit growers.

The Minister said that the fruit industry was an important one, and was ca P.ablo of expansion for export purposes. The Railway Department was anxious to give every facility for the carriage of goods, but it had to conduct its business on businesslike lines. He could not givo tho- deputation an answer at once. Ho believed in putting everyone on the same footing but the matter would have to be fully considered as affecting tho; whole of the country. He would mako? inquiries into the matter, and let the* deputation know the result. ■