The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY DECEMBER 29th, 1924.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 December 1924, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY DECEMBER 29th, 1924.

THE RAILWAYS COMMISSION. Fii.vxkne.ss of expression and clearness of views distinguish the report of the Commissioners on New Zealand Railways, which is being published as completely as press limits will permit. That the Commissioners know their work is indicated by the celerity with which they went al>out their task, and the complete and ready manner in which their report has been brought out, so quickly after covering so much ground. The New Zealand railway system is very diversified, and to a visitor, unless familiar with railway operations, it would not he.a very easy matter to comprehend in n short visit all the intricacies of the services; but qualified and experienced as they are, the details were speedily mastered, and there is a very clear-sighted review of the railways. The advice tendered and the clear expression of opinion on the different aspects, should be appreciated bv the authorities. That it is. being 1

appreciated i.s evidenced by the fact that lertaiu .suggestions are materialising in fact already. The report, it may he expected, will he the foundation lor a ,giaml deal ol reform to he brought in as time pusses. It would not he politie to attempt the full measure of reform at the niil.xol, as mu'll of it i:■ so radical that it would he upsetting. Tim critical side of the report "ill he ol value to those in charge «.f the railways, and doubtless the heads ol departments who met the Commissioners have had the hem-lit of a private consultation, whereat details "ere discussed very fully. The opinions put forward covering train services, fares freights, etc., are of the sensible- order, covering a good deal of the general criticism passed by the public in times past. It should be hvlp--1 ill to have the Commission leporl. now t.o hack up further criticism when* the Department fails to remedy obvious complaints. The reorganisation of the railway service is proposed along reasonable lines and benefit should accrue from that. There i.s room certainly, and as there i.s to he an entirely new head-piece to the administration, users of the railways may la- hopeful as to the general results when the new brooms set to work. In regard to the construction of lines, it will lie observed that the Commission notes that the engineering side of the railways has not been consulted beforehand in regard to works. Doubtless this will he remedied in the future, for in the past there has been a very expensive practice in permitting the Public. Works Department to build the railways, and the engineering staff of the Hallways Department to come after, and go over the work again. This has meant much added cost, which became an unnecessary charge, for had the engineers been in agreement at the outset, the duplication could have been avoided. It is not clear yet that the duplication will lie avoided, hut it is at least hopeful that the railway engineers will he eonsuited, ami in that respect some measure of relief will he experiemed. The summary of recommendations given at the end of the report contains a

list of fifty-three .subjects dealt with. This justifies the report, and tho Government i.s to lie congratulated in semiring the services of the experts while available in tl io Antipodes. The report and criticism will be tho basis for much useful reform, and the country, as time goes on, will reap the benefit:. It remains now for the authorities to adopt the report, and act upon the io ommendntiuu.s. There i.s much to lie done, as there is much need for the reforms. The railways have been the butt of a good deal of adverse criticism for a long time, and there is the opening now to remove many reproaches, and restore the railways to the former popular place in the public estimation.