TRANSPORT QUESTIONS 159 



transport ; improved facilities for travel should develop 

 the residential possibilities of the district, while a still further 

 argument put before the Light Railway Commissioners in 

 favour of the proposed line was that a light railway would 

 save the local rates by lessening the wear and tear of the roads. 



So conclusive was the case thus made out in favour of 

 the scheme that the Commissioners had no hesitation in 

 deciding in favour of granting an order authorising the 

 construction of the line. This order they have since made 

 and submitted to the Board of Trade for confirmation. 



The position at Brandsby is deserving of this detailed 

 reference because it is, in many ways, typical of the position 

 of many agricultural districts throughout the country, 

 and, also, because it foreshadows what may be expected 

 to happen in other places where an improvement in existing 

 transport facilities is begun with an organised motor wagon 

 service under some mutually satisfactory arrangement 

 between a railway company and an agricultural co-operative 

 society, itself receiving the loyal support, in this particular 

 matter, of members seeking, if only in their own interests, 

 to make the scheme a success. 



The main-line railway system of the country may be 

 regarded as practically complete ; but there is still great 

 need for the building of more light railways which would link 

 up undeveloped or inadequately developed districts where 

 railways of the ordinary type would not pay, while the choice 

 for such light railways of the standard gauge of main 

 line railways would allow of a ready transfer of rolling stock 

 from the one system to the other. 



The whole subject is so intimately connected with the 

 welfare of agriculture, with the possible success of colonies 

 of small holders, and with the further development of our 

 national resources, that it may well claim the special study 

 and attention of the Agricultural Organisation Society. 



FROM FARM TO MARKET. 



With the improvements brought about in motor construc- 

 tion and in the roads of the country there is certain to be a 



