RAILWAY COMMISSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 November 1924, Page 3

RAILWAY COMMISSION.

A joint meeting of the Westland Chamber of Commerce and the Progress League was held at the County Chambers at 7.-10 p.m. yesterday. Present: Messrs W. .J. Butler (chair), T. W. Bruce, R. Wild, R. F. Pci ham, 1). 11. ,Tel lie, E. Teielielmann. .1 Alorris, 1). J. Evans, M. Houston, AY. E. Richards, (’. J. Nightingale, A. G. Pilkington and W. Jelfiies. A letter was lead from the Associated Chambers of Commerce, Wellington, notifying a v isit ol the Railway (ominissioners at Hokitika about the 10th. ius.t. and stating the Commissioners will In* prepared to accept evidence oil special matters ] n.vided same is in writing and presented by a speaker who

will answer questions. A general discussion regarding various phases of railway management Billowed. The Chairman stated the Sawmillers Association, with headquarters at Greymouth. would bring up various matters affecting the timber industry; also the Sawinillers l*'eilerat*oii at Wellington. Air .Jollie spoke in regard to the freight question as aborting the lartning community and gave several instances where it was felt useful concessions could he made which would Ik of great assistance in increasing productivity. Air Houston supported, stating much ,-onhl he done with cheaper freights for winter fc-diug which would have an important hearing on stock raising and dairying returns^ Mr Wild dealt with the subject of In-edits and Ihe need for the depail-

mcnt, meeting ( oinpctitiou such as was created against heavy goods. The matters of time-table and special week end fares was referred to hv Mr Evans. The Chairman felt that they should have knowledge of the order of relerenre to the Commission so as to take up certain points. One was the matter of giving power to adjust district freight rates where traffic managers thought it necessary in regard to competitive or seasonal traffic. 1 iiis was approved by the meeting. It was decided also to mention the question of week-end fares to the Coast holiday resorts, and to go into the question of an accelerated train service to encourage tourist traffic. Dr. Teichelmann in regard to the last mentioned matter pointed out that motor traffic was taking passengers from the train service. After further discussion Afessrs Y\ ild, .Tel lie and Evans were appointed a committee to draw up a statement, All Jeltie to answer for the fanners, and Hr AY ild for the general public in regard to matters brought, forward. The same Committee was empowered to meet the District Traffic .Malinger and Baitwav Commercial Agent to-day regarding district matters. The meeting concluded at 8.45.