THE RAILWAYS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 March 1920, Page 5

THE RAILWAYS.

STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER. PARES AND FREIGHTS HIGHER. "A PAUSE MOST BE CALLED." By Telegraph.—Press Association. * Wellington, Last Night. An 'important statement was issued by the Minister for Railways to-day. Mr. Massey said:—''Judge Stringer's report is now subject to adverse criticism by some of the men for whose benefit the Board, over which lie presided, was set up. Surely every thinking member of the community will agree with mo in saying that the time has now arrived when a pause must bo called, and the whole question seriously considered. The pre-war rates for passenger traffic have already been materially increased, and an impost of 21 per cent, has been levied in respect of the bulk of tho goods traffic In order to stabilise the finances of the Railway Department and meet (lie further increase in wages and salaries recommended in Judge Stringer's report, and the very serious advance in prices of all railway 1%0-torial and stores, a further increase of four per cent, will require to be made in fares and rates.

'The Government is exceedingly anxious to do everything possible for members of the public service, whether in the railway or any other department, but at a time like this, following the cessation of, war expenditure, we must look forward to a period of considerable financial stringency, and in consequence require to be more than usually careful."

WELLINGTON' INSTITUTE'S REFUSAL. "THE OFFER A DIRECT INSULT." Wellington, Last Night. The Wellington Railway Officers' Institute, after considering the published decision of Mr. Justice Stringer upon the railway officers' claims, refused to accept the proffered bonus of illii. The Institute describes the offer as a direct insult to the railway officers. Objection is also made to the offer of £7 10s (o single officers. Nothing but the original claims will be accepted, says the Institute.