CHAMBER FAVOURS BOARD OF CONTROL

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19201, 15 October 1930, Page 1

CHAMBER FAVOURS BOARD OF CONTROL

DISCUSSION OVER RAILWAYS POLICY. (Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, October 15. Unanimous approval of the principle that the railways should be removed from political control was expressed at a meeting of the council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce last evening. The question was discussed when a telegram was received from the Palmerston North Chamber seeking support for the request that the Government should give effect to the recommendation of the Railways Commission that the management of the department should be transferred to persons not subject to political influence. The chairman said that the chamber had long advocated the removal of the railways from political control. He thought the Palmerston request should be supported. Mr Curtis said he doubted whether the board would improve the running of the trains. The chairman : Our point is to take them out of political control. Mr Curtis: What would the general manager do then? The chairman: I don't know, Mr Curtis. The principle is the thing. The railways should be taken out of political control.

Mr Curtis: I quite agree. T don’t think, however, that the appointment of a board would solve the problem. The chairman: It would be a step in the right direction.

Mr Curtis: Do you think a board of control could turn a deficit into a profit? “ No, but it might save some of the losses being made at the present time," said the chairman. " It. has been proposed for instance, to push on with a line which, when completed, would show a yearly loss of about £37,000. Would any business man stand for that sort of thing?” Mr Curtis: They are supposed to have a very able man now. Can’t he do anything to stop that? Hasn’t he power ? The chairman: We understood when he was appointed that he would have it.