RAILWAY SLAVES.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 16, 23 June 1911, Page 13

RAILWAY SLAVES.

Sir, —If you can spare the time and space, just a word or two with you concerning the policy of The Maoriland Worker. What with Socialism, militarism and dogmatism, slumdom, freedom and wisdom, verily the greatest hotch-potch of policy is now served up to the Proletariat. Why, Sir, surely you know that we are practically living in a Socialist State. The largest employer of labor is the Government in this country, and are not the employees (especially of the Railway Department) "perfectly comfortable, as perfectly as human thought can make them. 5 ' A local paper on the West Coast says so • no --bunkum" on the Coast, Sir. "What more can such men want?" Haven't they the Government stroke—rules and regulations to cover every possible contingency. Base ingratitude that these men should buy Maobiland Wohkeks

while the local press champions of tho under-dog should be left to carry the news to the boss. You will agree, in fact we all agree, that the public interests must be protected. The employees must be disciplined. Their respective merits gauged to a. nicety by [the "superior officers," a most onerous (task, requiring the finest intellect, a [not too early start, leisurely walking [exercise, a comfortable smoke and an [occasional reviver. New Zealand knows [to her cost the effects of brain-fag.

[ This brings mc to the fatherly interfest always exhibited by the ''powers ithat be" in the welfare of the State employees. Where is the outside employer of labor who would pay extra to his unskilled laborers for the essential duty of filling the country's cradles? As far as can be ascertained there is no trade union rate fixed, but 33d per day is certainly a good criterion of the sympathy and good wishes of a benevolent State. Exception is taken to the expense of working. The cost of paper and printing is decidedly I heavy; attributable to the system of reports, "please explains," and other incidentals inseparable from such a complicated organisation. A methodical [system is strictly adhered to throughlout the Department. What is more I modern than timing, watching, overruling, speeding, and blistering? while over ail the pleasing despotism of "red tape" benignly sways.— ¥ours, Greymoutii. BLACK TRACKER.