RAILWAY POLICY.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15314, 15 August 1923, Page 6

RAILWAY POLICY.

A statement of railway policv was made by the Minister, the Hon." J. O. Coates. In a question, Mr p. a. de La Perellc (Awarua) suggested a general reduction in fares and freights to encourage a greater volume of business.

"The policy of the. Department," said the Minister, "is to make its charges as low as possible, having regard to all the circumstances or each case, and it is not at all certain that substantial reductions in the railway freights and fares would result in a higher return being received on the working of the railways. The present rates include percentage increases imposed during the war period, but, as has been previously pointed out, these increases, which in no case exceed 40 per eenl, have been insufficient to cover the cost of the advance in the rates of wages and the price of all materials purchased for use by the Department during the war and post-war periods. The percentages were fixed at the lowest figure, and for the purpose of keeping Hie rales at a minimum.

"The whole question of the revision of Hie tariff is under consideration, and the suggestion made will be borne in mind when Hie charges to he made for the various services are being finally decided."