STRONG CRITICISM

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 131, 27 February 1919, Page 5

STRONG CRITICISM

1 THE N.Z. RAILWAYS. • Sy Telenraph-Press Association. Auckland,.February 26. The Railway Department was strongly criticised, to-day by Mr. Robert Burns, chairman of the o]ia.Tiber of Commerce, who said: "For some reason , (luring the ■whole'.bf■ the war period thp/highercommand' of. the railway serviee have con-• eidered themselves beyond criticism. They have resented any suggestions, and nave regarded any criticism or complaints as an indication that the person "criticising or complaining was pro-German ana did not desire to win the war. They seem to have failed entirely to grasp the fact that the Railway Department is one of the public services of New Zealand, and that the owners of this service are perfectly ,'ustified in making suggestions, offering criticisms, and condemning mistakes. The position of the high command of the railway service at the present moment is such a hopeless one that I do not think it can. continue much . longer. Right throughout the' country there is 'n very strong feeling that alterations will have to be made, and I think now that peace is within sight and Parliamentary criticism will be available that there must be some ulteration. I would recommend strongly that the incoming council should give tho matter of the maladministration of railway affairs very serious attention. It seems to me that the present method of selection for the highest position in the service is a very, doubtful one, and one that.is not likely to obtain the be=t reBulte."