NEW RAILWAY MANAGER

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 140, 8 March 1919, Page 12

NEW RAILWAY MANAGER

CONGRATULATIONS AND ADVICE. An editorial articlo in tho current issuo of tho "Now Zealand Railway Officers' Advocate" states Hint the appointment of Mr. K. W. SI'V illy to tho very important position of General Manager, New Zealand Railways, lias caused no surprise to members of the l\aih\ay Officers' Institute. "We congratulate Mr. M'Villy upon tlio attainment of a position to which lie is entitled bv seniority and eflicicnci, tholeader continues, "Mr. M'Villy has long occupied an unique position m tho general management, and those who aro able to judge know that ho has taken a very important part in guiding tho destinies of tho railway service for many years past. . . "Notwithstanding tho ndverso criticisms levelled at tbo management, we believe that, generally speaking, tho railways liavo been controlled successfully " The results compare favourably with other State-controlled services side and outside the Dominion Mr. M'Villy is entitled to 1119 full sbaie m this success. , mr i, ' "No one can say tliat Mr-. M Villy has climbed upon tho back of anyone; ho depends entirely upon himself. Ho is a strong man, and has many of the foibles associated with men of his calibre. He has mastered details which could with advantage to himself have been left to a junior. His stern sense ot duty and iron constitution have enabled him to overcome situations of groat difficulty. His greatest handicap m taking up the responsibilities of general manager is that he lias ten so long an office man, almost a Tocluse. "As General Manager, Mr. MVilly will be forced to travel about, and if bo is wise he will leavo othee detail? to his subordinates. His personality, ability, and a certain, natural charm ot manner mil avail him much. "Representatives of the R. 0.1, have como into.conflict with Mr. MVilly on many occasions. There liavo been times when tho relations between the 8.0.1. and Mr. M'Villy, as representing . the management, weire decidedly strained, but tbo E. 0.1, representatives liavo always acknowledged his ability and sense of 'fairness. . "Fortunatelv, tho relationship between tho R. 0.1, and the management lias been cordial for mnny years; this has boen due largely to the tact displayed 011 both rides and to a mutual recognition of tho respective responsibilities. "The appointment of a general manager who has risen from the iranks of our own servico is of itself cause-? for congratulation, and we, feel sure that members of the service will extend to the new General Manager their hearty good will and loyalty. Wo wish Mr. MVilly. evetry success in bis bigli office.