RAILWAY COMMISSION.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19957, 18 June 1930, Page 12

RAILWAY COMMISSION.

ORDER OF REFERENCE. (FSJISS ABBOCUTIOS TXLSGJUIfc) WELLINGiOW, June 17. Tbo Bailway Commission is announced as-follows trs.'.: -..r--..: > Mr J. D. Hall (Christchtirch). Mr R W. McVilly (Wellington). Mr James. Marchbanks (Wellington). Mr Robert Masters (Stratford). v Mr Maatersis to be chairman. The order of reference is to enquire and report as to the possibilities of increasing the revenue and decreasing the expenditure of the 1 New Zealand Bailways, and more ; particularly to enquire regarding:— (l) Whether the general organisation of the Department is . such as to produce the maximum ,of economy-abA' efficiency in administration and operation.

(2) Whether the scale of passenger fares is such as to produce the best results, having regard. to other competitive forms of transport and-' All other relevant considerations. • , , (3) Whether the issue of concession , tickets at the present rates and" on the present conditions • • is : warranted ;' or should be modified or changed, having regard to the pre&enteconomic conditions.

(4) Whether the goods tariff is such as to produce : the best : results, having regard to the charges that various classes of;goods can bear economically and to the competition-from . othfer forms of transport. (B) Whether the existing arrangements for the. carriage and delivery of parcels and/or goods are the. best" frdm the point of' view of the net earnings of the railways therefrom, and: the necessity of meeting competition by co-ordination with the Post Office, or any other relevant consideration.' (6) Whether existing arrangements with the Post-Office for-the carriage of nails is equitable 'to ' the railways. (7) Whether the' net returns from the various subsidiary services maintained by the Department (such as Lake Wakatipu steamers, refreshment rooms, advertising, and other buildings -and road-motors, etc.) are satisfactory, having regard to the returns obtained therefrom, economy in administration, and generally all surrounding circumstances. : <

(8)' Whether.- the r existing staff establishment, including casual employBes, is such as- to ensure a satisfactory standard of economy, and efficiency, and-whether the staff conditions 'generally are reasonable. (9) Whether the maintenance/ costs of permanent way works arid signals aire: down' to-the miniqram consistent with tho maintenance "of a proper standard of safety and efficiency in operation. The report is to be returned not later than September Ist.

Mr G. W. Beidj an accountant, of Dunedin, was asked to accept a seat on the Commission,. but for health reasons was unable to do so.