THE RAILWAY BOARD.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 137, 12 June 1931, Page 6

THE RAILWAY BOARD.

yij L personnel of the Railway Board which the Prime Minister—not the Minister of Railways—has announced has met with general approval. The selection has, indeed, been a good one. Colonel Bsson, late of the 'Treasury, will bring a measure of experience which will be essential, if the Board is to consider sympathetically, the viewpoint of the Minister of Finance, a duty laid upon them by the recent Statute. Sir James Gunson has a wide experience of private commerce to draw upon as has Mr D. W. Reeee, who also “knows engines.” The appointment of Mr Edward Newman, C.M.G., of Marton, is particularly appropriate as a representative of farming interests. Mr Newman has not ecased to take an interest in public affairs since lie relinquished public office and it is gratifying to find that his ability and genuine public spiritedness have been availed of by the Government. Mr G. W. Reid will provide a high degree of accountancy skill which will add a necessary element to the qualify of the Board. 'Technical skill in transportation is hard to come by and the only place to acquire such experience is in the Railway Department itself. To make this contribution to the Board it was almost inevitable to bring in Mr Stirling. That the Government has done this justifies Mr Coates’ decision to bring Mr Stirling back into the Railway Department. Mr Stirling will eventually occupy the position of chairman of the Board. For a balanced experience the Board as constituted would be difficult to improve upon, and the Prime Minister is to be congratulated upon his selection.