THE PREMIER'S VICTORY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 47, 19 November 1907, Page 4

THE PREMIER'S VICTORY.

The Premier has triumphed over the railway servants of the Dominion. The State railway employees were able to show conclusively that, compared with certain grades of the State Postal Sorvice, they were still placed at a serious disadvantage in the matter of salaries under the new iiailwaya Classification Bill, although in Bomc respects Iheir position had been improved l>y that measure. But facts and argument have had no weight with Sir Joseph Ward. He has ignored tho petitions of the men; tho invidious distinction made in the treatment' of one branch of the public service and another equally deserving has been perpetuated with a complete disregard for the injustice done. Tho grossly underpaid sections of the Second Division must, like many of their in tho First [Division, still carry with thom their

old sense of grievance, their appeals having fallen on ears deaf to cries of justice and faithful service. The story of the Premier's triumph is not an elevating one. As a study in tactics it may disclose some political astuteness, but we hardly think that Sir Joseph Ward will look hack on his victory with any feeling of satisfaction; nor 'do we think the country will felicitatb him. upon his success. The weakness of the men was apparent from the outset. _ The Bill, although it did not do justice to their claims, was an improvement on existing conditions, and they were at the mercy of the Premier as to whether it was proceeded with or not. It was brought down at a late stage of the session — whether by design or not need not be discussed at the present time—and when the Premier found himself unable to prove that the removal of some injustices removed all, and that the case of the men was too strong for him, he' adroitly turned the position to his own advantage. He allowed, it to be known that unless 'the men accepted his proposals he would drojp the Bill, and they would remain where they were. It was a masterly move. The men. at once surrendered. Better half a loaf than no bread. But is the Premier's petty triumph the gain to the country he would like us to believe it to be? Is it likely to remove the discontent that pervades certain branches of the service, and which must militate against the efficient working of the railways? Is it calculated to encourage the youth of the community, who already fight shy of the service, to come forward to fill the gaps which must be filled as old servants pass away and the railway business expands? We think not; and next session, perhaps, Sir Joseph Ward may realise these things, and' discover the wisdom of removing the injustices wjiich still remain.