Essay by Allan Main, Standard IV., Oamaru South School.—Oamaru.

Loyalty to our country is perhaps the first reason why we should support the Railways. We realise that, to a very large degree, it was the Railways that were responsible for opening up the country and making it as prosperous as it is to-day. Years ago the farmers had comparatively no other means of getting their produce to the markets save by rail, and the Government, realising the great necessity, laid railway lines wherever practicable, so that at the end of last year 3180 miles of lines were open for traffic. Thus the country prospered, and land in the proximity of the railway line increased in value. Cattle, sheep, timber, and goods are conveyed from one place to another at a very low cost. Then, too, we can depend on the railway for it is most reliable. Trains invariably run to schedule time, weather conditions making little or no difference to them. The Railway Department is a tremendous system, requiring skilful control and organization to run it successfully. It is so arranged that the different sections are responsible for the general working of the many branches of the service.

The Maintenance Branch is responsible for the upkeep of the track and buildings, the Locomotive Branch for the repair and manufacture of the rolling stock, while the Operating Branch prepares time-tables, attends to the running of special trains, and, indeed, makes all arrangements for the transportation of passengers and goods. To cope with the task of conveying this huge volume of traffic, a tremendous staff is required, which means, of course, that remunerative employment is enjoyed by many residents. When we remember that 678 locomotives, 26,736 goods wagons of various types, 1,607 passenger carriages, and 492 guards’ vans are used to handle the enormous traffic, we realise how large a staff is really required. At the present time 18,541 employees are engaged in operating the service, and their annual earnings amounted to £4,811,671. From an employment point of view the Railways are certainly a great value to the community.

Travelling by train is a very pleasant method of travel, as the carriages are large and airy. In the winter time they are heated so that travellers are very comfortable, while sleeping compartments are provided on trains that travel at night. The Railway Department has also catered for the public by establishing refreshment rooms at many stations, and allowing the trains to stop long enough at these stations for passengers to partake of refreshments. Still, above all, it is the feeling of safety that one has when travelling by rail that enhances the pleasure of the journey. We can sit back in our seats and enjoy a book or magazine, or gaze out at the ever-changing scenery, or even indulge in a doze, experiencing no feeling of fatigue or anxiety while the train moves onward. It is very reassuring to know that in the last two years the New Zealand Railways have carried over 52,000,000 passengers without one fatality. No one could wish for a safer mode of travel than this. The Railway Department has devised every means possible for the safe running of trains. The most modern signalling appliances have been installed, and the whole service has attained such a degree of efficiency that we travel in trains with the utmost confidence and comfort.

Undoubtedly the New Zealand Government Railways are of the greatest possible value to the community. It would be absolutely impossible to substitute any other methods of transport for the railway; for none could do it so efficiently, so economically, or so safely.