The Railway Commissioners.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 220, 23 January 1894, Page 2

The Railway Commissioners.

ME McKEKBOW BE- APPOINTED. TWO NEW COMMISSIONERS. Ministers were in Cabinet the whole of Saturday forenoon, and went fully ioto the question of the Eailway Commissioners. It was resolved to re*appoint Mr James McKerrow (the present Chief Com missioner) for nine months, and to appoint Mr Thos. Ronayne (at present District Manager at Grey mouth) and Mr J. L. Scott, of the firm to Scott Bros., iron founders, of Chnel church, iv placo of Messrs J. P, Maxwell and W. M. Han" nay. Both these appointments are also for nice months, the object being to afford the new Parliament the epportumty of determining the future administration of the railways. Notice has been for warded Messrs Maxwell and Hannay that their services will not be required after the 27th inst. Next season it is intended to introduce legislation to Parliament giving the Minister of Public Works a seat on the Board of Railway Commissioners, but the power of veto asked for in the session of 1692 will not form a part of the proposed measure. The Government are fortified in their present course of action by the highest legal ad vice obtainable in I^'ew Zealand. A few words with respect to the new Commissioners. Mr Thomas Ronayne was born in Ireland, and is 46 years of age. In 1875. he came out to New Zealand, and was appointed manager of the Biverhead to Helensville Railway on its opening in October of that year. In November, 1890, he was transferred to G/reymouth as district manager, which position he has occupied up to the present time, his salary being £500 per annum.