RAILWAY POLICY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1436, 10 May 1912, Page 6

RAILWAY POLICY.

MR. MYERS IN THE SOUTH. (By Tolesraph—l'rcss Association.) Christchurch, May 9. The non. A. M. Myers, Minister for Railways, who arrived in Christchurch this morning, spent an exceedingly busy two hours before lunch. Deputations, public and private, succeeded nno another, witii no breathing space between. When the last had lieen disposed of, Mr. Myers made, a brief staleinenf touching the object of his visit to the South Island. "My tour .of the South Tsland," Mr. Myers said, "is taken with a view of examining the railway system and of meeting the officers of tho Departments over which I preside. It is essential that one should have some personal information in regard In any matters before adjudicating upon them. As I intimated to one deputation this morning, it is contemplated that the railway facilities at Christchurch station slnll bo increased, and to that end I am being furnished with full reports by my Departmental officers. Everywhere I go I find that, owing to the inn-eased traffic, demands are being made for improvements. This I view with some satisfaction, as it discloses the fnct that the demands arc made because of the increased development of the coiintrv. Tt is my desire that the Railways 'Department should recognise their responsibilities as public carriers, and should give every reasonable facility to our customers. It is quite clear, however, that this, liko every other question, is governed by the all-important question of finance, and one has to recognise the financial aspect of affairs before coming to a final conclusion. The policy of the Department will be to carry out thoso demands which are most urgent." The Minister was asked whether ho would sav anything on the question of railway extension, particularly as affectin" tlio South Island Main Trunk line. "[ fully recognise the important part transit plays hi the development of our Dominion," he said, "and while.there is such nn enormous portion of its resources still undeveloped (he Railway Department has by no means reached its ultimate goal. I believe that ll is desirable always to obtain the fullest data and information lint, and it is impossible lo launch a comprehensive scheme unlil that, has been done."