Engine Drivers.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 26, 31 December 1884, Page 4

Engine Drivers.

«. i A corresponds t of the fiailway Eevww. writing about English and German engine-drivers, makes out that the latter receives much the better training m learning his business. He asserts that young Germans intended for locomotive engine-drivers have to go through a technical school course, from whence they enter the railway fitting shops to learn some mechanical work. After having spent one or two years m the locomotive workshop, the German is sent into the running shed to learn how to make current repairs. When he is old enough to be trusted with a responsibility he has to do at least a year's firing under one of the ablest engine-driv-ers of the railway, who has to be strict with him; and must show him everything connected with the management of the engine. After he has served the necessary time as fireman he has to pass a practical examination, that is, make a trial trip, on which he is accompauied by the engineers and other local authorities, who have to judge if he can be safely entrusted with a locomotive. His next job will be to do a lot of shunting; then he will have to drive eight coupled mountain engines, afterwards the six coupled, and so on, until he rises' to the post of first-class or express engine driver, the ne plus vitro, of the calling, to which many aspire, but few are selected. These engine drivers are superior men m every respect, .of undaunted energy, thoroughly aquainted with their engines; many of them are learned men, and fit to fill up the post of engineer. When not at work they look like gentlemen. This system does not exclude firemen from advancing to the post of engine drivers, when after some years running, they have distinguished themselves *by their punctuality, cleanliness, and especially by their sobriety. The position of the engine driver abroad is not well paid, it is true, but their lot is more eviable especially those where the State manages, they are allowed so much a month for house rent ; they have also mile money (melengeld), besides coal and punctuality premiums. The | working hours are not so long, and on many lines every third day is a day of rest.