THE RAILWAYS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1926, Page 1

THE RAILWAYS

WKLLIXCJTOX, Juno lit. Mu' duties ol the commercial s■ >.t* ol railway working,” was the subject « "i address by .Mr ]). |{odie. cornI inorcial manager of the Xow Zealand railways yesterday. lie said that the special duties ol the commercial branch were to inquire into any complaint on the spot. je endeavour to clear up matters in dispute without recourse to uimeeessiry correspondence, to place the department's viewpoint before the public, to arrange in every way possible to I'a.-ili-tatebusiness transactions with the department, and to obtain the public s co-operation with the department in transport matters, and generally to 'promote the depnrmeiit'.s inter-

ests. .The department was out to seek business as well as to recover that lost. TO PIiOMOTTO KKTTIJvM K.\T. The lon pc settled policy of the Railwa.v Department had been to promote settlement, and thus increase the productiveness of the country, and also to losler huiil industries. The earnings of the department after providing for Hie interest on the capital in-

vested had never been part of flio department's policy. In this connection between the years 1897 and 1923 the sum of £2.000,000 was returned to the users op the railways in the shape of various reduced charges and £l,283,583, the net surplus revenue, was paid into the consolidated fund. Tn carrying out its policy the department performed many services at low rates, and in some instances at loss than the actual cost. Tn times of stress, such as those caused by Hoods or droughts, it conveyed stock and fodder free of charge. They expected every man in the department to be cheerful, courteous and obliging, hut it also asked the

public to deal wftli tho railway staff in the same manner. ( Applause). The department were the people's trustees for the proper anil efficient management, of the mil ways, hut as the proprietors tho users could give material assistance and helu them to greater perfection. LAST YEAR'S RECORD. There were over 3000 miles of railways in New Zealand, and Ihe actual cost amounted to about £18,000.000. Last yenr the gross earnings were £B,100,701’, and the working expenses £6,468,•1*28. The ordinary passengers carried were 11,813.180, season ticket holders 000,292, making a total of 27,053,414 passenger journeys. lie. livestock tonnage was 447,539, and Ihe train mileage 10,319,407. It look 17.0C0 men to lnainr.iiii and operate the railways, anil this number included men skilled in practically every profession and trade. The lirsi and most important rule with every railwayman was to see to the safety of Ihe public, and this v is the can-.' of many delays which might, appear unreasonable. * The Railway Department. as ft common carrier was naturally subjected to the inroads of competitors ’.vho, while individually of no importance, might collectively divert a great volume of revenue. Thus in the near future the department might carry

the attack into Lilt* enemies’ '-'amp. But. in many instances competitors had recognised the I'nlly of lighlmg I be I'nihvny and luul decided to co-operate witli and art as feeders In the l:”l----way. In ninny instances this Had hoon beneficial to the carriers. Mr Bndie maintained that the charging schedule, 1 hough lengthy, was fairer tlitm one more simple, ami |,c asked for the support, of the shareholders-- Urn pll hiir, in the aUainment of the policy of-a great national utility.