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CHAPTER VII. 



RAILWAY RATES AND CONDITIONS. 



THIS subject has caused the Chambers considerable expen- 

 diture of both time and money, for which they have seen but 

 little return. The result of their work has not been so dis- 

 astrous as that of their campaign for the repeal of the Malt 

 Tax, but with that exception the Chambers have been less 

 successful in this than in any other direction. This has been, 

 and still is, due to a number of causes, many of which have 

 not been thoroughly recognised, and consequently a spasmodic 

 and at times a weak policy has been pursued. In the 

 light of experience gained as a result of many fruitless struggles, 

 some of these factors may here be alluded to, although some 

 digression will be involved. 



That part of the transport industry of this country which 

 comes under the administration of the railway companies 

 is often spoken of as the " Railway Interest," but it is. sub- 

 mitted that this is a wrong term to apply to it. The " Railway 

 Interest " in the most complete sense of the term includes 

 the joint interests of the shareholders, the directors and 

 general managers, the staff of all grades, and the consignors 

 and consignees of traffic. A rational policy would be one 

 which studied the welfare of all these sections of the com- 

 munity, all of whom alike are directly concerned in our chief 

 transport arteries being worked to the best advantage. As 

 generally interpreted, the term " Railway Interest " has 

 come to mean the interests of the directors and general 

 managers in the first place, and of the shareholders in the 

 second, while those of the other classes are disregarded unless 

 and until they can enforce their claims, whether for lower 

 rates, greater facilities or higher wages. This high-handed 



