Shifting Things

NZ Truth, Issue 1201, 6 December 1928, Page 6

Shifting Things

THE valiant endeavor of the Railways Department to make tha system pay brings, forward tha question of the soundness of Sir Joseph Ward's proposal to complete all main lines. E"VEN some of those at present *a* *-* operation do not pay, and the remunerative lines have to bear the burden of all unflhancial branch lines. In an age when motor vehicular traffic has such a big say m the transport problems of the country, a step m the direction of new lines should be carefully mapped out. The linking up of the gaps m the present existing main lines, while perhaps opening up a certain "amount of "new ground," 1 will not, for years to come return revenue on the money expended. • The futility, however, .of building short branch lines can be seen any day of the week m country districts. Motor transport is here — and here to stay. Motor lorries can, and do, pull right into the shed of the way-back small farmer and load his wool right from the sorting tables. Can it be wondered at, with good roads over which to travel, the "cocky" prefers to send his product to a selling or distributing centre direct by lorry. He obviates the necessity of double handling and lessens his cost considerably by thus using the road instead of carting to a railhead, there to again reload on to railway wagons. With the Government receiving a handsome tax from all petrol used, it is safe to assume that m a few years from now, practically all* roads will be sealed m some form or other. They are being done now as the money becomes available. . • It should be the aim of the new Parliament to prosecute vigorously a policy that will concentrate on existing and payable lines, leaving or discontinuing the service? on all subsidiary lines that cannot carry the burden of their own charges. It will be found that it is m these districts the small farmer is served with admirable roads — and uses them. The meagre patronage extended to these lines by passenger traffic is infinitesimal. Passenger car services are cutting their tortuous way into all parts of the I country and are gradually diminishing the revenue that m the past has gone to the railway coffers. Motor transport for passengers, as for goods. Is swifter, just as safe, Is economical and. more comfortable than rail travel,, and bearing these faota m mind it surely behoves. the authorities to tread warily when the prospect of new lines Is m the air. The gradual falling-off m the railway revenue and the increase of motor transport m the last two or three years proves conclusively that the latter gervloe is hera to ptaft ■