RAILWAY REFORM, REPLY TO A CORRESPONDENT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1946, 25 December 1884, Page 2

RAILWAY REFORM, REPLY TO A CORRESPONDENT.

TO THE KDITOR. SlRl_"AConespondcntS IRl _"AConespondcnt " says that it is difficult to deal with my nddicss because we have not heard the other side. It appears to me that not only have we heard it, but that we have all felt it, in every revolution of our brains, and every bone, muscle, and sinew of our bodies. He speaks of " Mr Vaile's somewhat violent denunciation of the authors of the preI sent system " and of "invectives Inuled at those who may for the time being | have the control of our railway affairs." This is not only unfair criticism, but it is absolutely untrue. Most certainly I denouueed the present system iv no measured terms, but as to the authors, I never said one word, nor do I even know who they are. With the exception of my criticism of Mr Max well's management in the lectuie at the Loinestreet Hall, I have invambly confined myself to attacking the measures and not the men. The insinuation that I have misrepresented, contained in the paragiaph "Without wishing," &c, &c, may be allowed to pass for what it is worth. I have simply dealt with facts and figures that are everybody's property, provided they have the industry and ability to use them. " A Correspondent " states that I propose to reduce passenger fares to less than one fifth of the present rates. I ask, why not? Surely the direct and indirect advantages are woith having. I have proved, I think to the satisfaction of most people who have heard me, that these reduced rates will pay better than those now in vogue, and in this opinion I am supported by several railway gentlemen of large experience. Why then should we be satisfied vi ith a less reduction ? Where is the sense in putting up with half a loaf when we may have a whole one for the asking ? He says, " Nor can I agree with him as to the law of averages to make up the difference."' It matters nothing, whether he agrees or no, the fact remains that in financial matters the law of aveiages always has governed, governs still, and always will govern. The mere fact of him penning such a sentence shows how utterly incapable he is of dealing with the question in hand. "A Couespoudent" says "we would hail with satisfaction a moderate reduction in the fares," Let me again caution the people of Waikato, and of New Zealand generally, against being satisfied with "a moderate reduction." It will not accomplish hat we want, and will be pretty sine to lead to financial loss. As "A Correspondent" and Mr Swarbrick choose to doubt my ability to deal with this question, I may perhaps be excused for drawing your attention to thiB fact. "A moderate reduction " of 25 per cent, on passenger fares was made in March, 1883. The railway officials thought that this would lead to increased travelling, and financial success. 1 knew it would do nothing of the kind, and at once said so in print. The result, which was not known till eleven months after I wrote, has shown that I was right. Over £23,000 was lost, and no increase in travelling took place. Am I not entitled to ask, Who knew best, the men having "the necessary data and practical experience," or I, the "amateur," the commercial and financial man ? And now may I ask, What is the object of "A Correspondent's " communication ? Throughout the whole effusion not one useful suggestion or idea has been thrown out. The writer evidently fears he has something to lose by the change proposed, and he seeks to stifle the reform movement at its birth, by accusing me of violence and insinuating that 1 have misrepresented, and am unable to deal with the I question. If I am wrong why does he not show where I am wrong, instead of dealing in insinuations and damning with faint praise ? It is writers of his class who so thoroughly dishearten men of principle, me.n who have no selfish ends to serve, from taking part in publiq matters. There are very few men who have less to gain personally by this matter than I have, but circumstances have led me to take it up, and I am not easily driven from my point, and if anonymous correspondents will persist ia misrepresenting me, they mu3t expect bard knocks in return. When last in the Waikato, I was much amused afc hearing the different motives imputed to me for taking up this matter. The chief idea seemed to be that I wished to enter into politics and obtain a, seat iv the House. I may as well at once say that I have no such intention, At the last eleotion I was asked if I would conteßt one of the Waikato seate. 'My reply was "No ; it will not suit me to go into Parliament. I want to pnt this railway matter through, bnt I will wait and see what this Parliament will do. If it carries out an effectual reform, I am content ; if not, then at the next election I •will contest one of the seats mentioned." To that reply I adhere. — I am, &c, SAMOEti VAILE. Auckland, IWJtaeqtar, 188*.