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The Railway Problem.

By Samuel Vaile.

Introduction to Third Pamphlet.

In my former pamphlets on the Railway Problem I have dealt with the subject mainly from the financial point of view—in the present one more with regard to the indirect benefits that would be conferred upon the people if the railways of the world were worked on really sound principles. The enormous influence it would have in improving our social conditions cannot be calculated.

What made you think of this thing, and why is it that amid so many discouragements you stick to it so tenaciously? are questions that are frequently asked me. As to the first: Like every other reform, a variety of circumstances led up to its initiation. What directly induced me to study the railway question was this: In the ordinary conduct of the business of my firm^* I had noticed that the value of country lands (since then city and suburban values have also declined) was decreasing. I could not quite see why this should be, and while I was searching for a sufficient reason, some gentlemen came to me with the intention of making a large purchase of land, on which they proposed to place a number of settlers. This transaction fell through owing to the high railway charges, so finding that the railway tariff was injuring my business, I determined to know all about it, and to improve the position if possible. I very soon arrived at the conclusion that it was the system of levying the railway charges that was mainly responsible for the decrease in land values. I also became convinced that the railway system was likewise responsible for the overcrowding of the cities.

Now, the Poverty Problem has been my life study, and I have always felt an earnest desire to do something that would permanently relieve, not only the terrible sufferings of the really poor, but would also assist those who are somewhat above that position; in fact, to get rid not merely of poverty itself, but also of what probably causes as much misery, the page 14 dread of poverty. When a child the sight of a beggar distressed me, and I often asked why the poor little beggar children could not have food and clothing as I had. I could not understand then—nor can I now—why there should be so much want and misery in a world that is large enough and fruitful enough to supply ail our wants many times over. It must be through defective management somewhere, and it appears to me to be a reflection on our boasted civilisation that such a state of things should exist. Having discovered what I believe to be the chief cause of poverty, I set to work to find a remedy, and having, as I believe, also done this, have spared neither labour nor money in pressing it upon the attention of the community. My conclusion is that the only remedy for the world's troubles is to place a much larger proportion of its population on the land: and in order to do this the first requisite, is not only good roads to the land, but also right government of these roads after they are made. This is my reason for sticking so closely to this question of railway reform. No other motive would, in my opinion, have justified me in spending the time and money on it. For now nearly twelve years I have devoted every spare moment of time to pursuing this object, and have expended of my own funds more than nine times the total amount contributed by the public through the two Railway Reform Leagues. I mention this, because if the reform movement is to be carried on to a successful issue it is necessary that the public should render more help than it hitherto has given. It means work and money, more of both than I alone am able to supply.

During the twelve years mentioned many of those who took a deep interest in the movement have passed away. Among them I may mention, with feelings of gratitude and deep regret, Sir Harry Atkinson, who firmly believed in the new system, and gave me valuable support in the Parliamentary Committee of 1886, Sir Frederick Whitaker, Mr. Macandrew, Judge Bathgate, and Messrs. R. W. Moody and Jas. Stoddart, railway experts, who carefully investigated my proposals and certified to their soundness. Others, as Sir George Grey and Captain W. C. Daldy, are getting far advanced in life, and many others have left the colony. There is, therefore, urgent need for fresh blood and for younger and more active men to come in and help, if, as I have said, this work is to be carried to a successful issue. There ought to be many such, while others might assist with funds. If there are any disposed to help I shall be glad to hear from them.

I gladly avail myself of this opportunity for again thanking the Press of the colony for the large amount of space placed at my disposal, and also for the kindly encouragement given me in the leaders of most, I think I may say all, the leading papers of the colony. My thanks are also due to the Chairman page 15 (Captain W. C. Daldy) and Committee of the Railway Reform League, to Sir George Grey, those members of Parliament who have assisted me in the House, and the large number of friends who, from all parts of the colony, and from some places out of, have sent me kindly letters of encouragement and valuable information. May I hope they will continue these favours.