THE RAILWAYS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1925, Page 2

THE RAILWAYS.

MORE CIVILITY. AUCKLAND. March 5. “1 quite understand that all you gentlemen are vitally concerned m commerce, and 1 understand also what should he done to effect an improvement in our railways.” So said the Minister of Railways (Hon J. G. Coates! as a prelude to his address given before members of the Chamber of Commerce this afternoon.

Mr Coates said that as Minister of Railways he invited their best and wholesome criticism. He was not addressing them for political reasons; polities at present did not interest him in the slightest. It was the interests of the community and the railways that he was concerned with. It was quite impossible for any State Department to give satisfaction if political influence was introduced.

The Minister then told the following storv of an incident at Invercargill, the truth of which was vouched for, A certain merchant went to the railway station to consign some goods. The young man oil the station said that a certain thing would he done. The merchant then asked if he should send a man down to see that his goods were consigned with speed. “ Oil. no,” said the young man. “I

will see to tlKit.” “ Very well.” replied the merchant,

“ Thank you.” The railway employee then said: “I thank von for your custom.” ter). The merchant then fainxccTr (Loud laughter.) The Minister said that was by no means an isolated ease. That would he the manlier in which customers would he treated in future. (Hear, hear).