RAILWAY MEN'S OFFERS

Press, Volume L, Issue 15047, 15 August 1914, Page 12

RAILWAY MEN'S OFFERS

LEAVE MUST BE OBTAINED

(SVXCIJJ. TO "THB r-BESS.")

WELLINGTON, August 14

The case of those members of the Railway Service who are anxious to servo in the Expeditionary Force which was raised in the House last evening,- was again brought up this evening by Mr Poland. He stated that a guard in his district, in response to an invitation for applications for enlistment in the advance guard, had made an application, but it was not until several days later that he had learned that his position* would not bo kept open for him if he went on active tservice.

The Minister for Railways (the Hon. W. H. Merries) said that the position ot railwaymen couid be kept open for them only when they obtained leave of absence rrom the. Department. In a big concern like that of tho railway, it would. be impessibio *to allow the employees to go away without obtaining leave. Supposing all the signalmen, for Instance, went in a body, it would simply mean that tho Department could not continue to ensure the safety of the public. Ho read a statement from Colonel Hiley in regard to the selection of the 250 railway engineers who were going with the advance guard. Colonel Hiley stated that when applications were invited for these positions, the men were informd that tho selection would be made in."Wellington. It was to be regretted that the services of a<l' the men could not be accepted, but their disappointment could not be helped, in view of the necessity of tho limitation of the number. Instructions had been issued that any members of the railway • service who desired to volunteer for service, must apply to headquarters for leave, .and the application would receive sympathetic consideration. Members of the service who joined the force without leave would be regarded as havingsevered their connexion with the service.