RAILWAY CHARGES.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160724, 10 August 1920, Page 4

RAILWAY CHARGES.

In view of the recent rise in raihfel charges in New Zealand, aome intciwH attaches t,o a London cable reportifH the effect of increased railway fartP in the Old Country. The cable reporta that the result is a considerable rcduc-’ tiou in. the number of passengers car* nod, more especially first-class, who, iff is to be presumed, are saving money by travelling second-class. Tills is only, what might have been expected, and much the same may be looked for in New Zealand as the result of the in* creases hero. How curious it is that n Government wanting money should raise the price of what, it has to soil, when all exp.-riciiee shows that it, U reduced prices which make biggeh bust* ness. The timid and short-sighted policy which raises unees at a time of stresa may come eir, ail square in Uic long run, but it is the far-seeing arid progressive spirit which is hold enough to reduce them which, usually oomeu out ahead of (he game. It is rather interesting to note that a contributor to the New Zealand Herald—a Government paper, by f.hc way-—takes precisely the same view with respect fa the increase in postal and telegraphic charges, concluding his criticism by remarking 1 hat '‘ail experience proves that low rates produce the highest revenue.'” The London cable which reports tho Hnglish lailwav cxjierience ought, to be a warning to the New. Zealand Government.