RAILWAY BOOKSTALL

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1930, Page 3

RAILWAY BOOKSTALL

NEW AUCKLAND STATION

NO, LEASE, TO BE SOLD

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

AUCKLAND, November 10, “I think this an an unwarrantable interference with a business that requires technical knowledge to administer,” said Mr A. G. Lunn" at a meeting of the executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce when the general manager of railways, Mr H. >* H. Sterling, advised that it was proposed not to lease the bookstall at the new Auckland railway station.

The chamber approved of the, following letter which had been for-

warded to Mr Sterling: “That in the face of the assurance of the Govern- *' ment’s intention to curtail rather than add to State activities in competition with private enterprise, we find difficulty in reconciling the decision of the department to undertake the conduct of the bookstall business. We would suggest that the net advantage to the public and the benefit to the department’s revenue in the assumption of station catering arrangements has not been so apparent as to warant the anticipation of more satisfactory results from the contemplated new venture. After account has been taken of the immediate serious rental sacrifice involved we hope you may be able to reconsider the position.” A copy of the letter has been forwarded to members of Cabinet and a further copy is to be sent to the Associated Chambers of Commerce.