Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1930, Page 4

The Minister of Railways is not hiding his light under a bushel. The ■ Reform press take frequent occasion to criticise the railway policy, hut M>' Vcitcli is always ready with a derm it-o reply. At present he is busy endeavouring to set- the department in order, and in that task he is accomplising a good deal, ,at least to his own satisfaction. He is able to outline important economics he i/s aflecting, and being a practical railway hand by prolessicu, is entitled to handle the job with a good deal or freedom, for he is rot necessarily beholden to his heads of departments for direction. He has the knowledge to think and act for himself, and as the responsible Minister is hot unafraid to do SO: At present lie is engaged in trying to baUiiiCe the railway budget, and to do so increases fares and freights from to-day. Labour members were early in the field protecting atfou't 'increase in \voi‘l>.“ men’s fares, but it is manifest all must ishiu'o in any sacrifices to he made. Mr Veitcfi has not a pleasant task, and must court disfavour by putting on the screw. Still, he is courageous enough to do so, and that is to his credit in an age when so many political leaders are prepared to pander to the public, and play upon their cupidity to secure their votes. Mr Vcitcli drops some hints also about the immediate future of the railways

once the Unemployment Act is in forced The railways staffs are to be combed. Some combing is going on

now in the endeavour to reduce costs, and the fact is thereby demonstrated that the railways have been overstaffed. Mr Veitch is prepared to do his unpleasant duty in this matter, and deserves some acknowledgement of bis pluclr at a time when there are those in Parliament and out of it who are ready to traverse ministerial action which docs not savour of being all things to all people. To-day the new station at Auckland is being opened. This is a costly adjunct to the service, and though the Queen City -> receiving a- modern station, the folk are not altogether pleased with the .gift. Its location is not as convenient as the abandoned site, and there is going to he a great dislocation 'of the old order of tilings. Still, Auckland is luc-kv to be so well catered for. Dunedin already has a well found station, but that for the Queen Citv eclipses it. Wellington ifl ilext On the list, hut in view of the financial stringency, building operations will hasten slowly. Thereafter Christchurch will come fourth on the list with a modern station. Apart from this extensive building programme, Mr Veitch has his hands full with the overhaul of the railway finance. Hifi effort an pears to be a genuine one, while also his cnnabibtv is certainlv commendable. He deserves a ll possible encouragement in his task of balancing the railway budget.