The Public as Shareholders.

In his remarks that night he had only skimmed over some of the main points of the railways, and at another time he might discuss with them some of the cardinal principles underlying the operation of their railways. In closing his address, he said: “To summarise my position, I say that I am assured of the co-operation of the great body of railway men in our country. I ask your co-operation as business men. You have a definite responsibility as shareholders in this institution, because that is what you are. Every man woman, and child in New Zealand has nearly 50 fully paid up £ shares invested in the railways, and I ask you, as the shareholders, to join with me from now forward to regard the railways as a great co-operative institution, in which you have a share and a responsibility, and in that way we will use to the best purpose the railways of New Zealand and give satisfaction not only to the users of those railways but to the general public, who own them. I ask for your assistance and for your constructive criticism, because I do not desire to burk criticism on any occasion on which you may wish to bring it forward. I thank you for asking me to address you, and I thank you for the patient hearing you have given to me.” (Applause.)

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