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Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1924, Page 2

1Y has been a good long fight lor the one continuous mileage freight charge on the Midland railway. This has been conceded at last, and came into vogue yesterday. The decision will lie gratifying and much appreciated. In indicates that the Railway Department is realising something of its duty to the public, if tho line i.s to enjoy hotter patronage, and bo in a better position to compete with seaborne transit. The concession is made even though the Public Works Department retains control of the tunnel traffic. That i.s another interesting aspect lor it means a fresh precedent in regard to ciicum.stances "hit'll hitherto required the Public Works Department to receive it, share of the revenue in return for it; part in conducting the traffic. At the outset it: will be remembered the Department wished to make these rates for the freight traffic, one jourliev up to the tunnel, the second through the tunnel, and the third from the tunnel to destination. This was a preposterous position seeing that the goods remained unbundled in the one truck over the throe stages, and after some argument the Department conceded a two-stage rate. Now tho claim for the one tariff • c tho continuous mileage has been recognised and operates, ft is gratifying to note by the latest announcement that the continuous mileage applies also to fates. This of course, is the logical effect of the change, though the first announcement, indicated freights only. Tlic concession made indicates a desire on tin- pait of the railway authorities to encourage traffic at once. Thai is a wise stop. Despite many draw-hacks, the traffic has been considerable, and it will increase, as time goes on. Already there are difficulties about rolling stock. All this means that the line was required, aiul ''.ill )io used to the tidiest advantage so lung as the trade is catered for. The one mileage rate i- a timely concession which "ill give idl round satisfaction.

Ti.'at there is something wrong with ibo trotting world is evident from the frequent reference to shady eases of late in the press telegrams. Those are matters lor the courts to decide, and ti’l they are disposed of, it is not prop> r to discuss, them. But the Now Zealand Trotting Association met last week at Christchurch, and the Chairman indicated that when the court cases were finished there would he plenty of woik for the Association to deal with. As if anticipating the business possible to arise, the Association decided to call on tli« last registered a Win is of snniA twenty-six horses, “and any other horse that- may be decided upon.” to produce the animals for inspection, o> if sold to explain where they are, or if ilead or killed where buried, and by whom. Failing satisfactory replies within a stipulated time registration of all horses owned by the parties is to be cancelled. The penalty proposed does not appear very great in view of the unsavoury situation which would be created were it- not possible to produce the horses in ques-t-i, n, or to account legitimately for the whereabouts of the steeds.. Doubtless, however, the penalty mentioned would he bur. preliminaries to more drastic action, reviewing each ease of course on its merits. There are so many under suspicion that there is a veritable Augean stable to clean up, and it can be well understood the trotting authorities have n large order ahead. In the interests of clean sport- the business must In- done, nnd the preliminary action of the Association without loss of time is a good beginning, even if it is nil unpleasant task.