STAFF TRANSFERS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1930, Page 6

STAFF TRANSFERS

MINISTER’S STATEMENT

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, November 13. Hon W. A. Veitchj Minister of Railways, stated: — “The abnormal cost of overtaking repairs to rolling stock will now cease as these repairs have been largely overtaken. A number of cadets are being transferee!, from the Railway Department to other branches of the public service in which they are required. The elimination of a number of positions no longer considered necessary in the permanent staff, while it will retard promotion, and even amount to a temporary step downward for some, does not involve the dismissal of any permanent men. The question of the further reduction of the staff is a matter for consideration, and .1 have not yet had the opportunity of going into it. “We have been going big things in the Railway Department m the way of economy,” the Minister said. “It is quite unreasonable to proclaim to the public that nothing is being done except to increase fares and freight rates first of all. Now that the Unemployment Bill has been passed, and now that it will soon be in operation, there is no further need for the Railway Department to be loaded with "the; cost of unemployment relief. That -feature of our expenditure has already been eliminated. Considerable reductions have been made by the elimination of positions tli rough out' the service. Contrary to the declarations of'some newspapers, these eliminations did begin in the bead office. Even before the Royal Commission’s report came to hand substantial economies had been effected. The elimination of unnecessary train mileage amounts to almost 1,000,000 train miles. That saving of itself should figure out at the rate of between £175,000 and £200,000 a year.