THE MANAGEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT RAILWAYS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4363, 9 March 1893, Page 3

THE MANAGEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT RAILWAYS.

Tne following circular has been addressed by the editor of the Christchurch Press to a number of loading citizens, members of Parliament, and others throughout this country:— 'Tlio Press Offico, Christcliurch, 'February 25th, 1893, ' Dear Sir, -It is generally understood that tho future management of the railways will come under the consideration of Parliament during tho approaching session, when it will probably be decided whetbor they shall remain under non-political management or bo placed under direct political control, It is soaroely necessary to point out that the question of the best form of managing a colonial asset, the gross annual receipts from which amount to upwards off ,100,000, is far too important to be dealt with from a purely party standpoint. As there is no practical method of ascertaining before tho Houso meets tho views of leading public mon on the question, except through tbe medium of the press, I have decided to invite a number of representative men in all parts of tho Colony and of all shades of political opinion, to express their views on the subject, The replies will be published in our columns as they are received, and it is hoped, by this moans, to chrystallise tbe floating mass of public opinion on tho question, and thus afford Parliament valuable assistance in dealing therewith. ' I shall be glad if yuu will kindly send me a statement of your views' as it is only by learning tho opinion s i of both sides of tho question that th e public—who are tbe actual owners the railways-can como to a sound, conclusion as to the way they can be best managed in the general interest. Will you, therefore, bo good enough to favour me with replies to the following questions ■ ' 1, Are you in favour of the railways being managed by a non-polit-ical board 1 and, if so, state your reasons. '2. Are you in favour of the railways being managed by a board, tho chairman of which is a member of tbe Ministry of the day? and, if so, state your reasons, '3, If you aro in favour of some other form of control, state your views and your reasons therefor. 'Yours faithfully, 'The Emm of the Press,'