RAILWAY MATTERS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4879, 18 September 1925, Page 2

RAILWAY MATTERS.

REVISION OF TARIFF. SPECIAL REDUCTION FOR PAEROA During the past few days Mr H. Welsh, business agent for the N.Z. Railway Department, has been in Paeroa, engaged in interviewing the various merchants and other traders for the purpose of placing before them the fact that their representations made to the department through him some .time ago in the direction of the railway rates to Paeroa being brought more into line with the opposition service had borne fruit. In conversation with Mr Welsh yesterday afternoon it was learned that the Board of Management in reducing the rates to this district looks to the businessmen to support the department now that an honest endeavour has been made to meet their requests. As an instance of the particularly fortunate position that this town is in as regards low charges for the carriage of goods, it might be mentioned that the new tariff provides for the carriage of goods from Auckland to Paeroa, and from Paeroa back to Putaruru at the same rate as it. would cost to forward goods from Auckland to Putaruru direct, as there is no preferential tariff-between Auckand Putaruru.

The preferential tariff between Auckland, Paeroa, and Waihi, it is learned, can only be continued provided the department receives a fair share of support for the railways. Mr Welsh does not in any way threaten, that the present tariff will be withdrawn. but he points out that the department cannot go on losing money on this section, and must look for support from the public. Briefly, he said, the position is largely in the hands of the local public, and it is 'not logical to suppose it is desirous of losing what is undoubtedly a privilege and one that plays no uncertain part in making Paeroa a comparatively cheap town in which to live. In soliciting support for the department Mr Welsh points out that for some months past the population of the town has been increasing, and this will continue for some time to come owing to the employment of a large number of men on railway construction works here. He also points out that the local fortnightly pay to the men amounts to over £llOO, the bulk of which is spent with the Paeroa business people. Railway employees are actually purchasing goods which have been brought into the town from Auckland and other parts by other .than railway haulage, and Mr Welsh maintains that a certain amount of reciprocity should be shown.