RAILWAY STAFF.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1926, Page 1

RAILWAY STAFF.

REVISION DISCUSSED. AVELLjINGTON, May 10. Tlie annual revision of staff, an important- aspect of the Railway Department’s activities, is at present being undertaken by a conference of divisional superintendents and district traffic managers from, throughout the Dominion. _ The conference, which commenced its ‘sittings in AVellington to-day, is presided over by Air A. Tv. Harris (general superintendent ot transportation). Also present are:—Messrs R. S. Kent (divisional superintendent, South Island), E. Casey (divisional superintendent', North Island), S. E. Fay (operation and equipment assistant), D. Rodio (commercial manager). R. A. Marris (staff superintendent), J. G. Riekerby (district traffic manager, Auckland), H. A. Penn (district traffic manager, Ohakune), J. Cameron (district traffic manager, AVellington), H. Chapman (district traffic manager, Christchurch), IT. P. AVest (district traffic manager, Dunedin), AAL I. Hessell (district traffic manager, Inverearigll), B. R. Sword (district traffic manager, superintendent’s division) and G. G. Stewart (editor “Railway Magazine”).

The conference was opened by Mr J. Mason, of the Railway Board who welcomed the delegates. The Prime Minister was present in his capacity as Minister of Railways. Addressing the gathering, lie conveyed to the railway management the Govornment’s appreciation of the excellent manner in which they had carried out the transport work during the strenuous period of the .Exhibition at Dunedin. During the time of thatgratifying Exhibition, lie said, every emergency had been met. and tlie Department had earned the appreciation of the travelling public. Mr Coates said he was particularly impressed with the relationship existing between the public and the railwaymen, and he was gratified to hear, in moving about tlie country, many expressions of approval of the manner in which the staff were carrying on their work. The Government recognised the fine performance put up by the men. The figures in tlie return of traffic showed that the results could only have lieen secured by the utmost co-operation of all concerned. The conference, he added. would represent a long and tedious task, but the results of it would be of great benefit to the delegates and the Railway Department.

In addition to tlie question of staff revision, the conference will consider various matters of a general character.