Our Railways.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 79, 24 July 1914, Page 5

Our Railways.

CHANCES FORESHADOWED CENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT. [Phe Fbebb Association.] Wellington, July 24. The New Zealand r Times is responsible for the statement that it is understood that the report of Mr Hiley, General Manager of Railways, will contain several pieces of advice which make for important changes in the detailed working of the system. It is believed the report traverses in detail the present state of the main and branch lines, and it is' probable that material alteration will be recommended in the running of the time of the Wellington-Napier and North Island Main Trunk trains. A progressive programme for suburban trains will be advocated to encourage further traffic rather than merely to cater for present needs. In fact, it is understood that the whole suggestion of the report will be for the running of tarins in excess of immediate requirements for the development of the country and in assisting suburban settlement . It is expected that alterations in | fares in certain directions will be recommended with free carriage of children up to 5 years, and cheaper fares for workers, apprentices, etc. The use of an automatic device for level crossings is explained and its adoption recommended in certain places. It is said that the whole tenor of the recommendations is based on the expectation of a railway loan being foreshadowed for this year.

THE MINISTER RETICENT. Wellington, July 24. The Minister of Railways, interviewed respecting the publication iif Mr Hiley's report, said he would be very surprised if some of the recommendations attributed to Mr Hiley did ultimately appear in his report, which would not be presented to Parliament till the first week in August. Beyond this, the Minister declined to give any information.