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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 76

How can we Improve the Position?

How can we Improve the Position?

and here let me say that we ought never again to entertain the idea of appointing a rail way commission. If we had not taken that unwise step, much of this present trouble would never have arisen.

Parliamentary control is the only right control. We can got rid of a Parliament, but a Commission must stay out its time, and even Then it is very difficult to move. Australia will find this out to its cost. I consider the colony owes a debt of gratitude to the present Ministry for abolishing the Railway Commission.

I think that one of our first steps towards improvement should be to insist on the railway accounts being brought under the control of the Auditor-General. I do not understand how it is, or why it is, that the vast sums of money passing through this department are allowed to be dealt with practically without inspection or control.

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Then we must learn to deal more justly by each other, and insist; on a more equal distribution of railway facilities. We ought to be able to rise above our petty provincial jealousies and work for the good of the whole colony. One of the chief reasons why our railways do not pay better is the shameful way in which the Northern end of the colony has been treated in the matter of railway construction and charges. We have made great sacrifices for the benefit of the whole Empire. Cannot we make some small ones for the benefit of our own country?

Then we must have a simple and fixed railway tan If. One that can be read and understood by anyone. I speak with knowledge when I say that there is no reason whatever why this should not be done. The only obstacle is the fixed determination of the chief officials to maintain the secrecy and mystery that now surrounds railway working. They will not until they are forced, part with the power which this secrecy and mystery gives them. By it they can help one district and depress another. For instance, last year the average charge for carrying and delivering each ton in Canterbury and Otago was the same as the previous year. In Wellington they were reduced 1d. per ton and in Auckland raised 3d. per ton. I may mention in passing that for months past our railways have been run without any printed tariff.