ROAD TRANSPORT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2928, 27 August 1925, Page 3

ROAD TRANSPORT.

IN COMPETITION WITH RAILWAYS. In the Railways Statement, extended reference is made to the question of road motor competition with the railways, and some special measures of control are proposed. “The most important departure from the Department’s past policy,” the Minister observed, “has been the creation of special rates to meet special conditions due to serio,us motor competition in certain localities. Investigation showed that this competition was securing a good deal of the best paying business and leaving the lower-freigh-ted commodities for the Department to handle. There were instances in which carrying firms brought the latter goods to the nearest railway station, while carrying those in the higher classes right through to destination by road.

“Benzine and dairy prodnee constituted the backbone of the motor competition, and to the carriage of these much attention has been given by the officors of the commercial branch and the board. Benzine has been reclassified from class A (rate and a half) in 1922 to class B (plus 25 per cent, for any quantity), representing a reduction from £3 14s. to £2 11s lid. per ton for a distance of 100 miles. In addition, special rates have been arranged to secure traffic in certain districts. As a. result, our benzine traffic is increasing, and the position is being very closely watched.

“For dairy produce special rates have been arranged to cover traffic from competitors, and the latest reports indicate that in the forthcoming season the result will be highly satisfactory. “Undoubtedly the «steps taken were in the public interest. In this connection it is clear that the position of railways versus roads in economically unsound, inasmuch as commercial lorry-owners have noi been called upon to pay a quota of the cost of road construction and maintenance commensurate with the service obtained, whereas the railways have met all such obligations, 1 have stated from time to time Ihni where it is found that districts are more economically and conveniently served by road than by railway, they should have one and not both. It is clear, however, that this can be only ascertained by placing both systems on an even footing as far as may be possible and scientifically comparing the relative cost of service. The Railway Board states that the Department was practically subsidising the construction and maintenace of roads to the extent of £<>s,ooo per annum by carrying road metal at an unpayable rate, which is indirectly a cause of the Department’s having to reduce its rates on the higher classes to meet road competition.

“The commercial branch lias obtained also a good deal of information about a collection and delivery system at stations, and tenders have ben accepted in some places.

“Through rail and motor tours are being carefully investigated in the various localities with the object of influencing the maximum amount of traffic to the railway. “Successful arrangements have been made in many places for linking up the railways with reliable firms serving towns and country districts from the nearest station.” The Railways Board of Management discusses the question on similar lines and suggests that steps should be taken to control motor traffic in the interests of the community. It points out tha under legislation passed in Victoria last year motor, omnibus traffic is controlled as regards routes, fares, time-tables, and other matters.