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Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1924, Page 2

Tinatn Here rumors ul trouble between tiie eoiii.;try and Us railway stuff, out these seem to be allayed. Not much has been disclosed as to the ciXiiiiaiids, nor the settlement readied. Vet it would have been well lor Llie Uuveinment to take the people into Uieir confidence by affording the luliosl info, inalion possible. 4t will be remembered tnat in 1920-21 the wages were raised, and now another rise ol 2s 6d per any was demanded. There are about 15,000 men in the service and a rise of 2s 6d a day would cost over half a million a year. Apparently the Government agreed to set up a Wages Board to consider the matter, i’rooably this has been done to avert a striko, but the present hand-to-mouth method of dealing with the question must slop. The huge increase asked for can only be paid by extra taxation. The railways, we are told, arc not paying. Some finality must be reached. Probably a rise of 2s 6d a day now would result in a claim for another half-crown a year hence. Three years ago the Government not only raised wages but also shortened the working hours from 18 to 44. Thus the railwaymen got it in both hands—higher wages and overtime at higher rates. Clearly the line must be drawn somewhere, anil it is about time the railwaymen were plainly told that if wages are raised the stuff most be reorganised with a view to necessary economies.

Tiik I'act that the Beautifying Society is ' holding its annual meeting this week, is a reminder also that the organisation is appealing lor funds. The latter action is not surprising seeing that the Society ‘‘lives” on voluntary contributions. In any case nothing can he done without funds, so that the appeal is C[uile in order, for the public appreciate the work of the Society, and are anxious to see it carry on. The Society since its inception has been responsible for a material transformation about Cass Square, which had been allowed to lapse into a very ragged state. The painting of the fence, the trimming of the grounds, and the general attention ini the way of cleaning up, has worked a happy transformation. Particularly pleasing was the -woik done on the eastern side about Westland’s creditable war memorial. There is a very close attention to the maintenance of that part of the ground, once the most neglected. The Beautifying Society has worked persistently ami enthusiastically in its efforts to afford good results, and to demonstrate the practical appreciation of the members of the Society in their self-im-posed task. 'Hie lead given by the Society should ho an incentive to the Borough Council to do a little more in order to help bring Cass Square and other spots into more seemly order. Wliat has been done will encourage them to do more, we are sure. and when the appeal is made next month the response should he both liberal and free. The work done by this unofficial body is an evidence of the citizen spirit pervading the town. It is good to have this demonstrated, indicating as it does a real interest- in the welfare of the town. There is of course much to be done in beautifying work, and that in mind, the citizens need 1 not stint their support, but give free play to their liberality in the desire to see the work of the Beautifying Society more successful still.