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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 8 (January 15, 1927)

Christchurch Railwaymen's Economic Class

Christchurch Railwaymen's Economic Class.

Mr. E. S. Kent (Divisional Superintendent) gave an interesting lecture on the subject of Surveying—Methods and Problems. The lecturer must have taken a lot of trouble in preparing the numerous diagrams with which the lecture was illustrated. These were accompanied by a most interesting and lucid explanation of the methods of surveying railway yardsr rail track, viaducts, bridges, tunnels, etc., and a demonstration of the working of the various instruments and tools connected with the profession. The members derived much information which was greatly appreciated.

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On September 27th, 1926, Mr. H. Chapman. District Traffic Manager, Christchurch, dealt with “Transport.” The speaker opened with a short dissertation on “Value,” showing how transport entered into the value of almost every commodity. Passing to the history of the development of transport, it was shown how all progress, including art, science, and even religion, developed on the basis of transport. Britain's early predominance as a mercantile nation was a result of her accessibility to the sea. In order to provide the transport needs of the railways a large proportion of the workers are employed producing goods for railway use. This part of the lecture terminated with some stories illustrating the romance of transport and an explanation of the difficulties of the early supporters of the railway.

Tariff.—The idea that the railways should charge what the traffic will bear is fundamentally wrong—morally, economically and socially. We should aim at providing the cheapest possible service. For instance, if it were possible to provide very cheap transport, the poorest family in Christchurch could obtain plenty of firewood instead of letting it waste, as at present, on the West Coast. To provide the best service and cheapest transport five objects must be kept in view:—

(1) Use the maximum powered engines to the fullest possible extent.

(2) Carry full loads both ways—at least constantly endeavour to achieve that desirable state of affairs. (Surplus of power and rolling stock means idle capital on which interest and depreciation must be paid.)

(3) Maximum turnover of rolling stock. On account of the seasonal nature of cur traffic we are handicapped in this direction, but, in the grain and stock seasons, much can be accomplished by making adequate arrangements with consignors and consignees.

(4) The recognition that shunting adds greatly to the cost of transport. “Every kick costs money.”

(5) Keep the staff as fully employed as possible.

We have the facilities and must exert every effort to get the traffic in order to make the best use of these facilities.

Motors.—The place of motor transport is not yet defined, but will be sooner or later. Motors co-operating with the railways are a most valuable adjunct. In an age of specialisation, we can no longer expect the farmer to bring his goods to the railway. His job is to produce goods, ours to supply transport for those goods.

Personal Touch.—Mr. Chapman dwelt on the value of the “personal tcuch” and at the close of the lecture was kept very busy answering questions. The lecturer received a very hearty vote of thanks for his interesting and instructive address.

From the proceeds of a fancy dress dance held on October 22nd, 1926, the Springfield staff were able to forward the sum of £11 0s. 7d. to the Christchurch Unemployment Fund.

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The annual cricket match, Christchurch Loco. v. Springfield, which is to take place shortly, is being looked forward to with much interest. The Springfield team are getting in some useful work.