THE RAILWAY “ CUT,”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16506, 17 August 1921, Page 8

THE RAILWAY “ CUT,”

TO-DAY’S CONFERENCE. The effect of the*railway cut was discussed to-day by representatives of the Canterbury members of Parliameut and representatives of the Canterbury Progress League and tho Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. Present-—Messrs L. M. Jsitt, M.P. (chairman), H. Holland, D. Jones, ALP., G. Witty, ALP., H. T. J. Thacker, Mayor of Christchurch and M.P., P. R. Climie (Progress League organiser), W. E. Leadiey, J. M'Combs, M.P., E. J. Howard, M.P., H. H Smith, W. AI. Tyers. H. J. Alarriner, A. G. Henderson and the Hon G. J. Smith. The chairman (Mr L. AI. lsitt, ALP.) said it had been.thought a, wise thing to call the meeting so that M.P.’s might act on sound knowledge. 31 r M’Combs said it seemed a. rather absurd position that there had been a railway cut because of shortage of coal and then a cut because of the amount of coal. He suggested that trains might he run in an eight-hour period. Mr H. J. Alarriner said it was unreasonable to expect the Government to make a loss on the railways. At such a time of the year as the present some reduction was undoubtedly justified. So far no great inconvenience bad been disclosed. However, the whole question was whether the railways wero to be made to pay or whether they w ere just going to go along as best they could, just paying interest. The time had come when there should be considered the taking of the railways out of the hands of the Government and placing them under a hoard of competent men enjoying the confidence of the community. Mf h. J. Howard : Tt is a big question and I am not against hearing Mr Alarriner, but it is not what w© are called together for. (Proceeding.)