TRANSPORT PROBLEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1929, Page 2

TRANSPORT PROBLEMS

REVIEWED BY MR H. H STERLING.

AUCKLAND, July 0. Conditions in Australia with regard to road and rail transport competition were practically the same as those in New Zealand according to Mr H. H. Sterling, General Manager of the New Zealand Railways, who returned to Auckland by the Ulimaroa after attending the Conference of Australian and New Zealand railway managers at Adelaide. The opportunity was given him to investigate various transport problems, and he had formed conclusions which would be embodied in a report to the Government. •

“Road construction is going on in Australia just as it is in New Zealand,” Mr Sterling said, “ it is opening the way for the unregulated services, and the railways, a national asset, are being adversely affected. 1 do not suggest that competition from motor transport should be forcibly removed but the whole position should be investigated and placed on a sound and economic footing.” Feeling was growing in Australia that various transport parties should co-operate so as to stabilise the industry. Mr Sterling said it was felt that the present state of affairs could not exist much longer, as. both forms of transport met with so many conflicting interests. Fair competition stimulated business; but “ cut-throat methods and business piracy ” could only result in destroying it on all sides. “ The spirit of hostility appears to be on the wane,” Mr Sterling added. “ In its place a spirit of co-operation is being developed for the purpose of obtaining the best results from industry as a whole. All over the world road transport has come to stay, but it must act in conjunction with, and not in opposition to the railways.” Mr Sterling made observations of other phases of the transport business and gained valuable information which could be brought to bear on the running of the New Zealand railways. He wished to make his report to the Government as soon as possible, as the whole question of transport” required urgent consideration. Mr Sterling spoke in high terms of the courtesy of his Australian hosts. He was treated excellently during his trip, which embraced visits to South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.

Witn Mrs Sterling, who accompanied him on the trip, he left for Wellington by train to-night.