NEW RAILWAY TARIFF.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18419, 27 June 1925, Page 14

NEW RAILWAY TARIFF.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISCUSSION. STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGftAM.) WELLINGTON", Juno 26. When seen to-day with regard to steps taken by tho Railway Department to givo all interested sections of the community an opportunity of perusing and discussing the proposals in the tariff before tliey aro brought into operation, tho Hon. J. G. Coates said that, from statements he had read in the Press, it was clear that somo little misapprehension exised as to his intentions in tho matter. Ho fully subscribed to tho view that the public had every right to be approached dnd its representations heard on matters in which it was vitally interested, and in .deciding some time ago to circulate tho Board's' tariff proposals ho was carrying out that policy. It would be quite obvious, however, that with work of such magnitude discussions would go on indefinitely unless the various organisations set up small committees to thrash out contentious matters with tho Board. Consequently it was decided to circulate tho proposals to what might bo termed the parent body of each organisation, such as tho Associated Chambers of Commerce, New Zealand Farmers' Union, Coal Mino Owners' Federation, etc. When tho points in dispute had been thoroughly ventilated, the Board's proposals would be submitted to the Government and tho final decisions given. The public might rest assured that every facility was boing given for interested parties to placo their views before tho Kailway Board, and no increases in rates would be brought into operation until a reasonable time had been allowed for discussion. (PHESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, June 26. In tho House of Representatives this afternoon, replying to Mr S. G. Smith (Taranaki), tho Hon. J. G. Coates said the position so far as the revised railway tariff was concerned was this:— Tho Railway Board was asked to draft a tariff which would meet tho economic and industrial requirements of tho Dominion, and yet, at tho same time, provide sufficient revenue to cover overhead expenses and interest charges. The Board had drafted that tariff without referenco to the Government. Details of the tariff were to be issued to commercial and industrial bodies interested, and these bodies would discuss with the Board the effect of these proposals. When agreement was reached, these points would be fixed. Where there was no agreement, the points in dispute would be referred to tho Government when a .decision would be arrived at. The tariff would not come into operation until these discussions had taken place, so that there was no immediate necessity for any section of the community to or*- out about hardships as a result of the proposed tariff.