69

D.—2a,

ADDENDUM.

To His Excellency the Governor-General of the Dominion of New Zealand. Sydney, New South Wales, December 25, 1924. Your Excellency,— We have the honour to submit a short supplementary Report to that handed to the Administrator of the Government of the Dominion of New Zealand on December 11. This Report covers a few matters, primarily of a relatively minor character, on which we feel that we should make some remarks, and we trust it will be included with our original Report. Rate Books at Stations. In a letter dated December 12, and addressed to the Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister for Railways, we referred to the desirability of compiling and sending to the stations a complete list of rates from each station to each station between which rates exist, in order that traders should be able to ascertain exactly what the charges are. As we then pointed out, the provision of rate books at stations (for the inspection of the public, as desired) is a statutory obligation upon railway companies in several countries, and we consider it would be advisable to give similar facilities and protection in New Zealand. Should District Managers be given Authority to quote Rates ? A second point (also mentioned in our letter of December 12 to the Minister for Railways and dealt with by inference in our Report) is the question as to whether District Managers should be given authority to quote reduced rates. We are definitely of opinion that this should not be done, as we consider it would undoubtedly lead to undue preference. The General Superintendents, and the District Superintendents also, would advise applicants of rates in existence, in the ordinary course, and any representation to the Board that reduced rates might with advantage be put into operation should receive immediate attention. The Board would, as a matter of course, have regard to the effect of a reduction upon other rates. There should be no difficulty in ensuring that the District Managers receive prompt replies to communications on rates matters from the General Superintendent. Wharf Charges at Westport. Complaint was made at Westport that wharf charges for overtime exceeded the amounts actually paid by the Department. There appears to be ground for this complaint, and we think it would be advisable to remove this grievance by clearly showing that only sums paid out in addition to the day pay are added to the wharf and labour charges. We have the honour to be, Your Excellency's obedient servants, Sam Fay, Commissioner. Vincent L. Raven, Commissioner. Dated at Sydney this 25th day of December. 1924.

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