Improving the Position.

To improve our position there should be no slackening in the check upon expenditure by those in a position to control it, and a concentrated effort by personal solicitation supported by judicious advertising to secure a larger share of the transport business along the routes which we serve.

There is an increasing willingness observable amongst all sections of the community to recognise the national importance of using the railways wherever possible in preference to competitive road transporters, many of whom end up in financial collapse, but who, during the period of their operation, drain the Department of vital revenue.

The case for railway patronage is especially strong where special concessions are granted. These concessions are based on the general benefit which they bring to the community. From this point of view everybody has an interest in bringing about the results for which the concessions are designed, and bearing in mind that the ability of the Governmental finance to maintain these concessions has a limit and that the position is vitally affected by the condition of the railway finances, I appeal to the public to take the long view in this matter when considering the question of placing their transport business.