The Daily News. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1924. A RAILWAY BOARD.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1924, Page 6

The Daily News. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1924. A RAILWAY BOARD.

The announcement by the Minister of Railways' (Hon. J. G. Coates) of the handing over the administration of the railways of the Dominion to a board of management consisting of three members of the railway service of proved ability, will occasion no surprise, as it follows the course recommended by the British experts who have, been inquiring- into railway matters both in Australia and New Zealand. Without doubt, Mr. Coates appears to exhibit. the utmost confidence in this new departure, which will-substitute a council of three for the single headship heretofore vested in the General Manager. Until the full details of the new scheme are made known, and the powers of the board ascertained, it would be inadvisable to comment upon the merits .or otherwise, of the new era of management, win ill is expected to bring the railwav service of the Dominion “up to the average world’ standard < t cheap and efficient transport.” Probably when the new management takes over control, the public will give it a fair trial. Advantage might well be taken by Chambers of Commerce —the most fitting representatives of the public in this matter —to formulate ’suggestions which they may deem helpful to the new management, and to give their support to the board in every move made for the improvement of the service so as to popularise it and enable it to be run on successful and equitable lines. It is to be' hoped that the members of the board will not be unduly swayed by the inclination to prove their ability by making profit earning their first consideration. There is no reason why, if the board is clothed with full powers, is unfettered by political influence and is allowed to thoroughly reorganise every branch of the service, cheap and efficient transport should not be provided concurrently with the carrying out of economies that will promote, rather, than militate against efficiency. Presumably the personnel of the board will be selected with commendable care in order to ensure that the objects in view shall have a fair chance of being attained. At all events, it may confidently be expected that the new men will be keen upon introducing new and up-to-date methods. It is quite possible that the report of the Commission of experts will contain valuable suggestions that will be of assistance to the board. Much good must result froni getting the administration out of the groove of the past. In making that comment there is no reflection upon the ability and zeal of Mr. R. W. McVilly, who has now retired from the position of general manager after a period of service extending beyond the time at which he was entitled to superannuation. Admittedly he has had a difficult task, and his responsibility has been more than ordinarily heavy. The work devolving upon him is now to be shared by three of the best and most progressive men of the service, and that fact testifies convincingly that Mr. McVilly must have given of his best during his connection with the service. The chairman of the board is to be the present chief engineer (Mr. J. Jones), who has an excellent record in the service. The commercial and other departments will certainly be administered by the right class of officials, so that no anxiefy lined be felt on that

head. The main point at the present is the introduction of a new era for the railways. Success will depend to a large extent on the nature of the powers conferred on the board.