From John Reid, Sheep Farmer, Eldersdie, Oamaru.

In reply to the circular issued by the Association I beg to say, that I am now, and always have been, strongly in favour of the working of the Railways being placed in the hands of a competent board—altogether free from Government control.

As a member of the Railway Commission in 1880, I saw enough to convince me that the change which afterwards took place was very necessary; the Commission made this a very strong recommendation in their report to the Governor.

I have seen nothing in the management of the present Board to cause me to alter my opinion; there are doubtless many improvements yet to be effected in charges in certain classes of traffic which would benefit both the revenue and the settlers, but I think that, on the whole, the present Commissioners have shown a great amount of good judgment, and a desire to do their best. Any interference on the part of the Ministers would not be likely to result beneficially for the public.