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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 2 (June 1, 1932)

The Railways and the Future

The Railways and the Future.

In view of recently enacted legislation to co-ordinate and stabilise road haulage, it is page 15 no mere fanciful picture of the future to visualise the Railway Department as the general carriers of the Dominion, and catering for every transportation demand of the public.

History shows that the most prosperous nation is that having the most efficient and economical transport organisation. New Zealand will soon have its stock-taking of transport costs completed, and this important industry placed on a sound footing. When this is done, the Railway Department, by reason of its specialised knowledge and organisation should occupy a still stronger position in the carrying business of the Dominion.

What benefit is the Dominion to receive from this unification of transport control? One short pronouncement by the Hon. the Minister for Transport affords an adequate reply:—

“One did not have to look back very far into the history of the Dominion,” said the Hon. Minister, “to find a point when there were no motor transport charges, but to-day motors were costing £32,000,000 per year, and if present conditions were allowed to continue the cost would increase rapidly and even to-day the cost was much greater than the country could afford.

“The cold chaste Moon, the Queen of Heaven's bright isles, Who makes all beautiful on which she smiles.”—Shelley. (Photo, J. McAllister.) A moonlight scene in Queen Charlotte Sound, South Island, New Zealand.

The cold chaste Moon, the Queen of Heaven's bright isles, Who makes all beautiful on which she smiles.”—Shelley.
(Photo, J. McAllister.) A moonlight scene in Queen Charlotte Sound, South Island, New Zealand.

“There had been a great deal of public anxiety because the annual loss on the railways was £1,500,000, such a loss was a serious one, but the annual loss caused by road transport was infinitely greater.

“Furthermore, by lessening the volume of transport on the roads they would relieve the burden of rates and again the farmer would benefit. There was no doubt that many of the roads were carrying excessive traffic and the consequent wear and tear was a big item for the ratepayer.

“The condition of the Dominion at the present time justified every measure of economy.

“Between 1914 and 1929 the population of the Dominion had increased by 29 per cent.; production had increased by 102 per cent., but transport charges had increased by 147 per cent. In the same period the capital charges of transport had increased by 128 per cent.

“There was now one motor vehicle for every 6.8 persons. In 1914 the annual cost of land transport was £17,750,000, and in 1929 it had risen to £43,750,000.”

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