The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 71
From Charles Kerr, Reid & Gray, Manufacturers, Dunedin
From Charles Kerr, [unclear: Reid] & Gray, Manufacturers, Dunedin
In reply to your circular, I am strongly impressed with the advisability of keeping the management of our Railway thoroughly apart from any political influence or control what ever. Any political head, or Minister of Railways who might be appointed by Parliament, could not be expected to be an expert, and as the Railways are a commercial undertaking, they should, in my opinion, be managed as such, with a expert or experts at their head.
The present Commissioners are not immaculate and cannot please everyone, but they are men of experience who have successfully piloted our Railways through some very troublous times, and Parliament would be consulting the best interests of the colony by leaving the Railways either in the present hands or in those of others equally capable.