THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1880. MR. CONYERS AND THE RAILWAY EMPLOYEES.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2041, 8 September 1880, Page 2

THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1880. MR. CONYERS AND THE RAILWAY EMPLOYEES.

The result of tlie investigations pursued by the Civil Service Commission was certainly not favourable to Mr. Conyers. When the Government practically shelved that report the general query was—“ How about the Commissioner?” It was felt that, if the allegations contained in the report wore true, Mr. Conyers was not the right man in the right place. But the statements made were never fairly refuted, and still no change in the management of the Middle Island railways was made. The almost universal impression was that in this matter Mr. Oliver’s influence was paramount, that ho had backed up the Commissioner, and that, safe in such valuable protection, Mr. Conyers would see the matter through. And then, seasonably for the latter, came the matter of arranging for the more economical working of our railways. A new scale was to be constructed and a new departure made. In the excitement consequent on the new arrangements the general question of management was lost sight of, and the Commissioner once more posed as a deus ex, who was capable of bringing affairs to a satisfactory conclusion. The result of the report of the Commission was entirely lost sight of in the more pressing matter of tho manner in which the employees were to be treated. But, singularly enough, Mr. Conyers, notwithstanding his opportunity, has failed to improve it. A general feeling of mistrust as to his ionajides in tho matter is, at all events, evidently felt among tho greater portion of the Middle Island employees. Even among tho Dunedin employees the number of men who rely on him is not overwhelming. Devoted, as he is supposed to be, to tho interest of that section, it was evident by tho meeting on Monday evening that much distrust was felt by many of the men. It was stated that the scheme of the reduction was such as to set class against class, and, according to the “ Otago Daily Times,” “ some very hard language was used against Mr. Conyers, and nothing seemed too hard for tho meeting, which applauded vigorously.” And this is natural, considering the manner in which affairs have been worked. Wo have, before this, adverted to groat necessity which exists in the management of all bodies of men that tho utmost candor should be used. Anything in tho shape of “ springing a mine ” is fatal to a satisfactory settlement of any question, and it has undoubtedly been felt that the revised scale has been unduly held back, and from no assignable reason.

With regard to the scale itself, the draft of the amendments made the other evening at the meeting of the Christchurch delegates will, wa trust, meet the views of the Government. With respect to the laborers in '.die Locomotive Department, there is no doubt but that a eon-

Biderable amount of skilled labor is required, and that a sliding scale adapted to the description of work done should be constructed. So, too, with the laborers in the Permanent Way Department. We would suggest that a certain discretionary power should be allowed the foremen and that the labourers should be divided into four classes, according to their skill and the manner in which they are employed. And then the signalmen should, we imagine, bo payed at least as much as the head shunters. When it is remembered what depends on the efficient working of the signalling on the lines, that the lives of the public hang on the accuracy and unwearying diligence with which it is to bo done, it seems to us to bo a desideratum that the bettor class of men should bo set aside for this important work. Wo r?understand that atfairs are now approaching a crisis. That the gangers and foreman have been notified that they should send in by the 11th inst. the names of those who are not willing to accept the scale, so that their places may bo filled up. At this juncture we strongly advise the employees to consider the matter as it affects themselves in particular. The state of affairs obtaining in Otago is a good deal different from that which exists in Canterbury, and, moreover, the Otago men are, whether rightly or wrongly, suspected of holding back somewhat in the matter, partly because they wish to see how the Canterbury men fare, and partly, it is whispered, because they may have some further information of which the Canterbury men are not possessed. Having more to lose by the proposed reductions, it would naturally bo supposed that they would be the more eager of the two bodies, but such has not as yet been the case. Were the positions of the two bodies of employees reversed, wo fancy a different state of affairs would prevail. Anyhow much caution on the part of the Canterbury employees appears to be necessary. As they have as yet acted with much forbearance and moderation to give such advice is possibly a work of superogation.

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. Me. Oliver Las issued a circular to the burgesses of the North-West Ward soliciting the favor of their vote and support at to-morrow’s election. In that circular ho makes one extraordinary statement, which it may be well to remark on. He says—“ I need only remind you of the assistance given by me to the successful floating of the market in your ward.” How Mr. Oliver has helped towards floating the market is a matter beyond the comprehension of everybody. He has a shop there it is true, but so have numbers of others. He has, too, come somewhat prominently before the public in the same connection. But how ? Simply by giving the City Council more than ordinary trouble and putting the City Council to unnecessary expense for legal advice. He has pushed his shop sft. on to the next site, and the Council have advised Mr. Fiddes to consult his solicitor. But this is hardly assisting to float the market. It seems more like floating his own interests. Indeed, we fancy, the City Council do not look upon Mr. Oliver as the least troublesome of their tenants. We trust that the burgesses will look into the matter, and not take Mr Oliver’s statement without inquiry. Mr. Oherrill has served the Council faithfully and well during the past year, and it is to be hoped that ho will not bo thrown overboard for the sake of a gentleman who considers that he has done this city service by “ floating ” his premises into those of a neighbour. With regard to the election for the North-East Ward, the burgesses will have to choose between Mr. Henry Thomson and Mr E. Thomas. Mr Thomson has served the public in various capacities for some years, always to their satisfaction. He is a man of great energy and large experience in municipal matters. Mr. Thomas, we believe, cannot boast of either similar services or experience, and although, no doubt, an estimable citizen would probably shine more as a road contractor than as a City Councillor.