THE RAILWAYS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 196, 27 January 1915, Page 8

THE RAILWAYS.

SIR JOSEPH WARD REPLIES. THE IMPORTATION POLICY CRITICISED. By Telegraph.—l'er Press Association I Wellington, Lust Night. ' Commenting «W the order given lor Baldwin loeomotives, Sir Joseph Ward said that it was amusing to find the Government attempting to justify its action by using him for the purpose of comparing what they were doing now with what was carried out during the period he was Minister for Railways. "But the Minister in his attempt at justifying the procedure his Government is now adopting has entirely overreached himself," said Sir Joseph, "and he makes a palpable mis-statement He says that in 189!) Sir Joseph Ward also imported from the United States sixteen engines. As a matter of fact I was not Minister for Railways in 189!), as can be seen from the records. I did not take office as head of the railways

until 1900. Soon after I took office 11 brought the matter before Cabinet, with j a view to having the whole of the railways stock made in New Zealand. Act-1 ing on my suggestion, Cabinet arrived at a decision to make provision at the railway workshops for the construction of loeomotives, and, in addition, to have, a number made by private enterprise hi the country, and not to import further engines Or rolling stock as soon as this provision to make them locally could be provided. This po! if 'Y wag carried out, strictly after 1902, and neither engines nor rolling stock were thereafter imported. In addition to the locomotives made in the railway workshops, Messrs Price Brothers have since regularly received orders for locomotives. "I have no hesitation in saying," concluded Sir Joseph, "that the country ought to' make the whole of its own locomotives' and rolling stock. In any ease, at this juncture, if the Government found itself

comjjollod to get engines from abroad] tlie importation, in my opinion, should l have been given in Great Britain, even I if tlie price was higher. England is' the heart of the Empire, and is vitally! affected in this world war. Up to now I it is unfortunate, but it is a fact, the] policy of America has been of mighty! little assistance to the British Empire. Mo'evpie, tlie British Government has i since the war started, found five and a half millions of money for New Zealand at per rent, interest. Surely then our recognition or such services during the extraodinary conditions through which the Empire is passing warrants our giving a preference to the Motherland, even though it costs us more to do so,