D.—2.

CONCLUSION. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate what has been in my mind since first accepting the portfolio of Railways, and has been expressed by me on every occasion when, in the course of my comprehensive tour of the whole railway system, I had the opportunity of meeting users of the railways and workers upon the railways in every part of the Dominion —namely, that I see the railways as the basic transport industry of the country —the one upon which all production both primary and secondary has been developed, and through which the main stream of the Dominion's commerce circulates. My viewpoint in that regard is in keeping with the Government's policy in respect of railway development, which is based upon the belief that the railways of New Zealand constitute a national asset of great value which can be developed by an attitude of helpfulness to make this great State-owned enterprise perform a great social service for the benefit, advancement, and happiness of the people as a whole, and we intend to go confidently forward in pursuance of that policy, which we believe is likely more than any other to bring about a lasting measure of good to the people of these Islands. We intend to improve the means of transport and wherever possible cheapen the costs of same, and at the same time improve the general co-ordination of all forms of transport. The Government's efforts in this direction have been ably assisted by a highly efficient and enthusiastic railway staff, to whose efforts in both Divisions must be very largely ascribed the excellent showing made by the Department during the year. In this connection, I wish to pay a tribute to the staff of the railways who, as a whole, have worked as a wonderful and well-organized team to give satisfaction to the Department's customers. I wish to thank the General Manager, Mr. G. H. Mackley, who, with his assistants, has set the standard of service on a high plane, and has applied his technical knowledge, great energy, and unfailing resource, to give effect to the Government's progressive policy in relation to the Railway Service.

VII