WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1917, Page 2

WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Tho Railway Commission-

its Genesis.

(Our Special Correspondent.)

Wellington, Feb 26 - A note which appeared in this column referring to the Railway Comk. mission last week did some injustice O to Mr T. M Witford, the member for Hutt, who was represented as having brought about the appointment of the Commission by implying in the House of Representatives that much of the i rolling-stock on the railways had fallen into sad disrepair and was rapidly be*coming a menace to the safety of thetravelling public. It was Mr Veitcb, the member for* Wanganui, not Mr Wiiford, who,, when the Railway Statement waej 1 said on the table of the House made a 3 speech in which it was implied, * roundly asserted indeed, that the m&inc t6nance department was allowing its | work to get behind and was doing much of it in a slip-shod fashion. It was pome time later that Mr Wiiford) asked the Minister, without implying: auything at all, if ho was aware of 1 certain ruhioiirs in circulation regarding the rolling stock and if he would make enquiries concerning accuracy. The result was a report from the head of the Department declaring that everything was well and Mr Wiiford heard no more of the matter tilL he was invited to attend the Bitting of the Commission in Wellington. He - clearly is not responsible for the expenditure that is being inourred in providing a number of officials with) an opportunity to assure the public afr large they are doing their job eatiefac** . torily. |