OUR RAILWAYS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 186, 30 August 1909, Page 2

OUR RAILWAYS.

To the Editor. Sir, -The method of running the N.Z. Railways often causes criticism and we think with good reason. We hear a great deal from time- to time of what the Government does for the country, which means, of course, the inhabitants. But to those who live in "'God's own Country'' one often founts whether it is not God's own to those who visit it, and not those onto iive in it. As most people are aware, the Railway issues a guide, where for the sum of three pence one- can see- the terms and conditions on which he may travel or send his produce, and fares and freights for same. It is distinctly stated there, that sporting teams travelling not a less number than eleven will get certain concessions, viz., a first class ticket at second class rates, or second class tickets at a reduction on usual fares, the Department reserving the right to decline applications. In July last, the Mamapoto Rugby Union applied for the concession for a team travelling to Kamiton. giving the required notice. Toe applictaion was forwarded to Auckland through the local station master, and tromptiy declined because the team had to return by the Main. Trunk Express, the only train available to re-turn by. unless the players lost an extra day for a two hours' journey. On the 28th July the same Union sent a team to Auckland and made the same application, whih the Acting-Traffic .Manager as promptly declined with a short, curt note. The Union then wired the Minister of Railways, who replied that the concession would he granted on ordinary trains, but not tins Main Trunk Express. The team in both cases travelled North in the ordinary train, but there is no other possible way of getting back except the express, unless the men are prepared to lose an extra day. [The Unionof course had to accept the situation, but uow comes the other side. Within a week after receiving the Minister's reply the Nellie Stuart Company, and Mr Tommy Burns found the Main Trunk the best means of transit from Auckland to Wellington, and two special sleeping cars and one special carriage were p ut on for them, and yet it was found impossible to do it for the local people. I should like to know if they paid extar rates for these~privileges, or received the usual concessions. Again on Monday night last the Auckland Rugby Union sent a team through the North Island by the through express, and received all the concessions asked for, taking about twenty players. The Maniapoto Union guaranteed 40 to travel, and I have good grounds for knowing more than this number would have gone, but who declined when no concessions were given. As only 24 travelled, we can put it down as a loss of £2O from one station in one trip lo the Railway Department, and yet they wonder why the railways do not pay. Still there is a little informaion that would be welcome. When a local deputation interivewed the Minister of Railways in Wellington re alteration to our station and stock yards he replied that he would get information at once to see of the business was increasing and warranted same and also reports as to the necessity, and if so it would be done. I should like to know if he has receievd same or better still: did he not have all information and reports be'ore the deputation went to Wellington? It seems as if the railways were run for the benefit of the tourists visiting the country, and not the local people. I think it is now time the Minister should furnish an explanation.—l am, etc., UNION.