TRANSPORT PROBLEMS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2895, 11 June 1925, Page 2

TRANSPORT PROBLEMS.

ROAD AND RAIL MUST CO-OPERATE. REVISION OF RAILWAY OPERATIONS. It is the expressed belief of the Prime Minister (Hon. J. G. Coates) that to solve the transport problem in New Zealand, the railways will have to co-operate with the motoring interests, and so effectively serve the rural districts, (says the M.D. Times). In replying a remark hv Mr E. A. Ransom, M.P., in respect to lower tariffs for the settlers, Mr Coates said at Dannevirke yesterday that transport problems would be better if separated from political control, though he recognised that the hackblock settlers should receive consideration, seeing that 95 per cent, of the country’s wealth was derived from the soil. In various parts of New Zealand, the local taxation was becoming a burden to the set tiers, and if the present conditions continued many would find it difficult to remain on the land. The Government, wishjed to make the land attractive.

In the matter of roading there was a great deal of work to be done, for the motor had taken the country into a new era. He did not- agree that the motor would replace the trunk lines, however, for they had failed to displace the trams in the city, in spite of many predictions that they would. “We have to make our railways indispensable,” Mr. Coates continued, “because -they are our greatest asset, and they are as essential to the country as to any part of the city. It is not suggested that we should compete with the motors — but that we should link up with them and carry out a comprehensive system of transport. If this is accomplished, we should be able to secure cheap rates for the man in the backblocks.

“But we shall have to make good roads: and advance quietly and steadily upon a properly-designed programme. The railway tariff rates as suggested by the Railway Board will be sent out in a few days’ time. The railways have now placed on a commercial basis, and whereas the Department could previously dip into the Treasury to supplement any loses, this cannot now be done. Previously, the taxpayer did not know where he was. Much is now to be done to bring the railways up to the standard required by the country.