THE Temuka Leader. THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 1894.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2612, 25 January 1894, Page 2

THE Temuka Leader. THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 1894.

THE RAILWAY COMMISSIONERS The action of the Government with regard to the Railway Commissioners wni be received with surprise, commingled with satisfaction, throughout the colony. Everyone expected that Mr Maxwell would not be reappointed, but it was generally understood that Mr Hannay was safe, while the pouition of Mr McKerrow was considered doubtful. It was said that the Premier and Mr McKerrow were not on the most amicable terms, and from this the prophets concluded that the Chief Commissioner would have to go. It can, however, be seen now that the Premier can rise above personal feeling and do what ho thinks best for the colony. To dismiss Mr Hannay, who is an expert, and retain Mr McKerrow, who has had only five years' experience, looks strange at the first blush, but no doubt the Government had good and sufficient reason for doiug so. Before one could pass judgment on such an action, it would be necessary to get behind the Bcenes and Bee what can be seen there. As regards the new appointments, Mr Ronayne has a splendid record, and has been a district manager for many years in New Zealand. In that capacity he had splendid opportunities of studyiug the weakness of past management, aud will bring to bear on our railways ripe experience and great abilities. No one expected the appointment of Mr J. L. Scott, the bead of the firm of Messrs Scott Bros., ironfounders, Christchurch, but we believe that the greatlmajority will endorse it without hesitation. Mr Scott is perhaps one of .the most eligible men in the colony for the position. He is a practical engineer, under whose supervision many of the locomotives now in use on our railways have been constructed. He is therefore capable of entering the workshops and giving practical directions to the workmen. He is, besides, a thorough man of business, whose success proves that he is capable of directing large enterprises, but perhaps the most desirable qualification which he will bring to bear on the management of our railways is a thorough appreciation of, and sympathy with, the development of our industrial resources. This has been the weakness of our railway management hitherto. The industries of the colony were not encouraged or assisted as they ought t,o have been. In our opinion the produets of colonial industries ought to bo carried on our railways at a nominal rate, as this would amount to protecting them in a form that could not be considered objectionable. Whether Mr Scott favors this idea we know not, but we feel certain that he sympathises deeply with the development and expansion of our struggling industries, and we believe that his knowledge of their yants will enable him to manage the railways £n ft manner that will be greatly to the adyautage q£ the industrial classes. The action of the Cj-ovprnment is certainly not what wo expected, but, though the changes took us by surprise, we have no hesitation in expressing our approval of the appointments. It must be remembered, however, that those appointments have been i»ado pending the decision of Parliament. Next session Mr Seddon will introduco a measure making the Railway Commissioners responsible to Parliament, A similar Bill was introduced lust yaw, but the Legislative Council threw it out. The e-msitry has, however, uuw endorsed tho 'iownimont policy, aud the Council will hardly dure to repeat their action of last session. We ! may therefore expect that a measure will be passed next session, which will give Parliament some control over our railways, and then it will be necessary to appoint Commissioners on each terms and conditions as the law will require. No doubt the Government contemplate appointing the new Commissioners, otherwise it is not likely that Mr Scott would have accepted the position for nine months. Wa are glad to note that though Mr Hannay's conmuctign with the railways has been severed he is to bo provided, for iu the Civil Service. Mr

Hannay is a gentleman whom all classes regard with respect, and all will be glad that he has received consideration at the hands of the Government.