RAILWAY SERVICE.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17123, 19 April 1921, Page 8

RAILWAY SERVICE.

DISMISSAL OF CASUAL WOBKEES. (PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.) TAIHAPE, April 19. At a special meeting of the Taihape branch of the A.5.8.5., held yesterday, a resolution was passed protesting against the dismissal of numerous married casual workers to make, room for recently arrived unmarried immigrants. It was pointed out that 80 per cent, of the men employed on maintenance work were casuals, and that train running was.dependent upon them. One man who had been dismissed had done ten years' service, had had a son killed in the war, and had an invalid wife to support. The Department's action was viewed as intolerable. ' ■ WELLINGTON, April 18. Referring to the Taihape telegram, Mr R. W. McVilly, General Manager of .Railways, stated that he could not say to what extent the report was correct. His recollection was that some other work was to be given to married casuals until other employment could be given them. During the war tbe Department Sad found it necessary to take on a large number-of men wbo could never be taken on the permanent staff. These men nad been Kept in employment. Now'that the war was over, he was endeavoriring to reorganise the staff, reappointing men who had formerly been in the service. He quite recognised the work the casuals bad been performing.