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Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1928, Page 2

A noth kk change a material change—is to be made in the railway policy of the Dominion. The Government has found ii impossible to make the railways pay under its changing systems and another change is to lie attempted. Sin'cci the Commissioner system was dropped the Railway Board seemed but a variation, and on trip of that we had an expensive cmnniission of English experts. Notwithstanding that their report favored the Board system, the Government finds- the railway accounts still drifting, and the Prime .Minister, who is also Minister of Railwavs. lias boldly decided on one mail control. The gentleman- selected for the post is o>no who has had previous intimate railway experience. He has made his way step by step, won academic honours off his own lint, and young man that lie is, proved a successful administrator. The fact that the Government lias decided to recall him from civil life to official service, indicates that there is: a high opinion of his capabilities. Mr Sterling is to replace a Board of three—all capable officials who had lung training and experience in railway management. But times were changed in the matter of transport, and a very formidable rival now faces the railways in the matter of transport. To make the railways pay as it is intended they should, will need the rigorous application of the pruning knife. The overhead costs must he reduced, for it is apparent very little- extra revenue can be looked for by increasing fares or freights. As these rates stand, motor transport is completing . successfully, so flint rather must there be a reduction (Inin an increase in the changes. Mr Sterling's task is not going to lie a light- one. and it will not lie surprising if the Government to free themselves from as much responsibility will give the new head as much independence as possible, The change can hardly be looked upon.' as an experiment for it is time there was a settled policy and a genuine effort to administrate the large concern on effective business lines. That appears to be the crux of the matter as to what is expected. The past attempts have fallen short a*id no doubt at great cost t-o the country. It is now for n new order to he brought in and established on lines which by well-directed administration will reach the goal intended and so achieve the real function of the railways, v ' '