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Hokitika Guardian, 24 November 1930, Page 4

Tub new railway imposts have been accepted very quietly. Apparently the public realise tho extra, added to freights and fares is indispensibl© in view of the recurring loss or deficiency reported on the running of the lines. That there is a degree in extravagance beyond what is reasonable in the running of tho railways is demonstrated by some figures given of the railways publicity branch. Although there is very substantial revenue earned, the profit over and above expenses has now decreased from thousands to a few hundred pounds, It has been a steadly diminishing quantity over the years, indicating Hint expenses have lieen allowed to grow abnormally, If the same relative results are being achieved in other Branches of the expensively conducted railways, it is perhaps npt• surprising that the financial results are so unsatisfactory. There is certainly a call for some action beyond increasing fares and freights. Admitting that the increases are not large, nor the result exhorbitant changes, it ifl time that there was some show of internal economy and the cutting out of wasteful expenditure. It is true that the Government took a bold step with regard to branch lines some time ago, hut local agitation was set going immediately and much of the good proposed was no doubt lost. Recently the Minister of Railways in very general terms indicated a reduction in staff, but more as an apology for keeping the men employed in order to lessen -‘unemployment. Greater things were promised. Probably when Mr Veitch is opening officially to-day the palatial railway .station at Auckland he may go some length in detailing a more practical railway policy whereby it will be clear that all the deficit is not to be made up by increases c-n the public, hut by more economical management when • the Government will he responsible for some material improvement in the accounts. It is easy for the Government to add to the burdens of the peonle hv wav of taxation, hut in regard to the railways and the heavy annual deficit, it is not business-like that all the burden of righting the ledger should fall solely on the users of the line. Rather by internal adjustments, working costs should bo reduced making the use of the railway more attractive for possible business by reducing instead of increasing costs. There is formidable opposition to the railways in motor transport.. and any increase m fares and freights encourages that opposition as a more potential opponent. This is so obvious that it is time so patent a fact were recognised, and the controlling authorities contrived to mend the general position without directlv aiding and abetting opposition through increased costs for railway transport.