Benefits One and Injures Another.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 17, 24 April 1902, Page 18

Benefits One and Injures Another.

There is hardly any benefit that may accrue to a person or a class of persons which does not spring from an injury to another. This was seen the other day in Victoria, and the incident may lead the Minister of Railways to be prepared for a certain amount of grumbling when he introduces his new scale of freights and fares. The Victorian Railway Department recently introduced a system of family excursion tickets, by which it was made much easier for people, especially of small means, to give their families a little enjoyment at the seaside. The effect of this on at least one watering place was noticeable, and one of the local governing bedy moved that a deputation wait upon the acting-commissioner to induce him to discontinue the privileges. According to this councillor the effect en the lodging houses and business places was disastrous, as city people preferred taking advantage of the cheap fares to residing at the seaside. And the motion was carried, the councillors who voted for it evidently assuming that the railway system was designed to benefit, and not in any way injure, their particular corner of the universe. If, therefore, the new scale of fares in this Colony makes it advantageous for workers in the cities to reside in the adjacent country districts, where they may enjoy the pleasures and advantages of rural life without sacrificing the conveniences afforded in the towns, it may be expected that the business people such as shopkeepers, will raise an objection. But it is obvious that Buch considerations cannot stand in the way of what would be a great public benefit. However much we might sympathise with the coach owners and hostelry keepers, we should never dream of abandoning the idea of building railways. The invention of type setting machines displaces hand compositors, but it cheapens and extends printing. And with respect to the particular reform in railway fares above indicated, we have every hope that it will form a large feature in the new scale. The life of the worker would be much more pure and much more healthy if his hours of leisure were spent in rural surroundings. At present it is only the comparatively well-to-do who can afford to occupy a country residence while their employment is in the town. The extension of this privilege to the workers would have an immense social and industrial influence.