OTHER PAPERS’ OPINIONS

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 296, 11 July 1929, Page 4

OTHER PAPERS’ OPINIONS

THE RAILWAYS. THE preliminary skirmishing over the railway policy indicates that an effort is going to be made to keep it on party lines. The Fay-Raven report is being dragged in for the purposes cf justification and condemnation of the Prime Minister’s proposals. Neither party so far appears prepared to admit that even in the short time since the report was procured that conditions have altered very materially. Motor traffic has become a very much more powerful opposition to the railways. As an accessory to this competition is the improvement of roads. The country is perturbed more about the future than the past. It cannot afford the establishment of lossproducing lines. In all the discussion it is rather remarkable that nothing has been said about the present condition of the railways. The Opposition is probably not very anxious to broach the subject, since it provides the Government with the glorious opportunity of placing the responsibility on to their predecessors 1 in office. In their turn the Government is reluctant to mention the matter for fear pressing questions may lead to revelations which will injure the prospects of their policy. But what is the cause of the continuous unpunctuality of the train service and the innumerable breakdowns and minor mishaps that are occurring ? The general opinion is that it is brought about by the condition or | the rolling stock. It is said that a thorough and general overhaul is needed and many new engines, carriages and trucks are required. It seems, in short, that the proper maintenance of the railways has been neglected. What is it going to cost to remedy the matter? The country would be very interested if an inquisitive member of Parliament became a pertinacious seeker for information. Arising from it all is the thought: “Is it not wise to put the present railways we have in thorough order and condition before plunging into any extensions?” ■—Morrinsville Star.