QUALIFICATIONS OF MINISTERS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 961, 31 October 1910, Page 4

QUALIFICATIONS OF MINISTERS.

RAILWAY MISMANAGEMENT.: Sir,—To an outsider it 'seems . rather extraordinary that whereas not only tho professional doctor, lawyer, ciud clergyman, but also the architect, engineer, accountant, and even the homely plumber liavo to undergo a preparation and pass an examination to prove them fit for the several positions they desiro to fill any Tom, Dick or Ilarry, without any previous preparation or proof of fitness, ;niay be choson to hold important political Ministerial positions such as Minister for Railways, for Education, for Mines, etc. No wonder onr railway system is a confusion worse confounded with its unequal rates an 4 unfair advantages for one part over another. Who taught the present Minister for Railways how to manage railways?- What preparation did ho undergo to fit him for the position? Would it not bo more satisfactory to import from Britain a thoroughly ex|>erienced, competent man who had already been manager .for a largo railway company, and who would tlierafoijb understand what he v.as doing l'roai the beninniuz? Make liim iudejjcwlimt of tho

outs and ins of Parliament, but Parliament having to grant supplies would have a check over him. Being a stranger lie would have no preference for one part of the Dominion over another, and matters might therefore be arranged more fairly. Let him find out exactly what; late will pay interest on money expended and working expenses, and fix that,.rate at so.much per mile all over the Dominion alike, no favouritism and no privilege tickets—one holiday season of two months in summer from December 15th to February 15th,. when all trains everywhere and for all distances, long or short, should, run at half rates. The present system of summer holiday tickets is absurd. .Unless :.tho traveller canleave his home on or before tlio first of January lie loses .. his .holiday. Why should he not be able to take out a ticket any time he likes during the holiday season, and for what distance ho likes. Employers and employees can't get away- at the same time, and of course the employer takes his chance, and sets aside his employee, who could also liavo his chance if he could take out his holiday ticket on the return of his employer. And we the employees 'hope the Minister for Railways will see fit to alter the existing unfair holiday arrangements before the . commencement of the next holiday season in December. Privileges and unfair arrangements should not exist in tho expenditure of the people's money—it's giving, away what is not theirs to give in a democratic country like this. Thanking you in anticipation, Mr.'Editor,—l am, etc., A. BHEZT. -