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Hokitika Guardian, 1 June 1923, Page 2

Tiikue was a very useful discussion at the Conference referred to in the foregoing with regard to tho co-ordi-nation of the Public Works and Railway Departments in the matter of constructional work. Mr Butler made the very sensible suggestion that in regard to the building of railways, the construction of the lines should he entirely in the hands of the Railway Department. Tho present- practice is for tho Public Works Department to construct the lines, mid no sooner aro they handed over to tho Railway than the latter Department invariably starts costly improvements to securo a required standard. As Mr Butler pointed out, Die Railway Department lias its own trained staff' of engineers who know what is required and it would bo very economical wore all railway constructional work left entirely to that Department. In the matter of roads and bridges, public buildings, electrical works and harbor works, there would remain still much for the Public Works Depaitmeiifc to do. In fact there would be a better division or labor, and not only would there be more economy secured, but also there would he a saving of time— which in the matter of using railways, means also a saving of money in interest on idle or non-productive lines. The whole subject can certainly be taken up to great public advantage.

At the Conference on Wednesday niglit the imposition proposed by tho threesectional freightage oil East and West Coast railway traffic was again roundly condemned. This matter lias been taken lip by the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, and it is to be hoped the protestations of that more influential body will carry further than did the local objection a few weeks ago. It is evident from all accounts, that the preliminary stage for goods’ traffic is going to lie more prolonged than at first intended, and that it will be some months before the Railway Department takes over the line, and the one through rate would then obtain. This means that users are going to be unduly penalised over a period, or the traffic seriously curtailed to the loss of the country. Tho three sectional rate will be prohibitive altogether for some classes of goods, and in any case the freight will fie unfairly high, and will tend to place the lino in an unfavourable light with the public. The request that n two-sectional freight would meet the ease, by the Railway Dept, treating the lilies under its control ns one continuous section, is not at all unreasonable, and if the matter is to l*> dealt with equitably that proposal is a fair solution. It will lx> necessary for the Canterbury people to call up all their reserves to press the matter upon the favorable attention of the Government, and in that task the West Coast should certainly co-operate.

It is net a very cheerful prospect which is in view regarding the ojmjuing date for through general railway traffic east and west. Mr Climie’s late guarded reports to the newspapers about tho unsatisfactory progress of the outside works at Otira. and Arthur’s Pass, is, to say the least, very disquieting. There is the suggestion to our mind, that all is not well, and instead of the line being opened this month as Air Massey contemplate 1, it is going to l>o somewhat delayed. This is indeed most regrettable, llio procrastination is going to be a further test of the patience of the people. But jt appears to us that as soon as Parliament meets somo stir should be made in the House to fix the cause or causes for the delay, and to forte some official statement which will satisfy the public why the long-drawn out delay should be carried on indefinitely. All the time the cost to the country is mounting up in thousands of pounds. Tiie Government is responsible for tho administration, and it will not be unreasonable to closely question the responsible Ministers as to the causes lor the delay, and the remedial measures which they have in hand to overcome such difficulties which are presenting themselves. Sound economy in regard to administration demands no less.