UNSERVICEABLE RAILWAY STORES

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2072, 14 October 1880, Page 3

UNSERVICEABLE RAILWAY STORES

AND MATERIAL. To the Editor of the Globe. Sib, —Apropos of the recent report of the Railway Commission and the consequent redactions of the railway staff, I should like to inquire if the Hon. the Minister for Public Works is in possession of any reliable and comprehensive returns as to the quantity of roilway stores and material which are now on hand throughout the colony. I refer more particularly to that class of stores and material which by the new system of steel rails and clips and the later improvements in construction are rendered practically useless and unserviceable. Tear after year have these been added to and quietly stored away, in many instances, unpacked from their original casings, until at last such a quantity has been acquired as fully to exhibit how reckless the expenditure in this direction has been, I think if the Government would cause such a return to be made, and published with original cost, it would be found to be of a somewhat surprising and instructive character. As a consequent effect; on such a report being made, doubtless some means could be devised for {disposing of (these unserviceable effects so that some portion at least of tbe original cost might bo recouped, as it is evident that the longer they are retained the lees valuable they will become. Tours, &0., MICHAEL HART, Sydenham. The following letters appear in this mornings issue of the “ Press ” :