D.—2a

2

(5.) Whether the present discretionary powers held by District Traffic Managers are sufficient under existing conditions, having regard to the increasing competition by road and sea. Whether more satisfactory and expeditious handling of traffic could be brought about by decentralization. (6.) Delegating power to District Managers to enable them to make reduced quotations for traffic in exceptional cases to counteract competition or secure business. (7.) The general viewpoint of the staff in dealing with the Department's business. (8.) Whether the steps at present taken to secure excursion traffic in connection with big events are sufficient. (9.) Whether the present statistical data compiled by the Department is sufficient to enable transportation officers to accurately gauge the cost of services in dealing with general transportation matters. (10.) The policy of the Government in connection with the leasing and construction of private sidings. (11.) The use of rail motor-cars and the type suggested for New Zealand conditions. (12.) The construction of. special rolling-stock, heavier or lighter, to meet special conditions in various districts. (13.) The costing and statistical methods in the Maintenance, Workshops, and other branches. And, for the purpose of better enabling you, the said Commission, to carry these presents into effect, you are hereby authorized and empowered to make and conduct any inquiry under these presents, at such times and places in the said Dominion as you deem expedient, with power to adjourn from time to time and place to place as you think fit and to call before you and examine, on oath or otherwise, as may be allowed by law, such person or persons as you think capable of affording you information in the premises. And you are also hereby empowered to call for and examine such books, papers, plans, writings, documents, or records as you deem likely to afford you the fullest information on the subject-matter of the inquiry hereby directed to be made, and to inquire of and concerning the premises by all lawful means whatsoever. And, using all diligence, you are required to report to me under your hands and seals not later than the thirty-first day of January, one thousand nine hundred and twenty-five, your opinion as to the aforesaid matters. And you are hereby strictly charged and directed that you shall not at any time publish or otherwise disclose, save to me in pursuance of these presents or by my direction, the contents or purport of any report so made or to be made by 7 ou - And it is hereby declared that these presents shall continue in full force and virtue although the inquiry is not regularly continued from time to time or from place to place by adjournment. And, lastly, it is hereby further declared that these presents are issued under and subject to the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908. Given under the hand of His Excellency the Governor-General of the Dominion of New Zealand, and issued under the Seal of that Dominion, this 18th day of October, 1924. J. G.JCoates, Minister of Railways. Approved in Council. F. D. Thomson, Clerk'of the Executive Council.