UNSYMPATHETIC.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 528, 4 May 1920, Page 2

UNSYMPATHETIC.

Judging by the information that has been again brought to light, and this time more prominently than ever, in regard to the discontent in the railway service, there appears to be good ground for the complaint heard on every hand from all ranks in the service, and expressed by the most level-headed and reasonable men too, that for many years past there has been an utter lack of sympathy between the lailway men," of both divisions, and the management. Rightly or wrongly, it is freely asserted that the present general manager (Mr. McVilly) has obstructed the men foi' years past in every shape and form. They believe that, owing to Mr. McVilly's influence and advice, their complaints have been shelved and side-stepped on countless occasions, and that when a definite reply has been givon it has nearly always been to the effect that the Department "regrets its inability to accede to the request." This automatic "regretting" on every occasion has exasperated the men; "hope deferred maketh the heart sick" and rebellious. If these statements are well grounded—and there seems! to be little doubt that they are-- it is no credit to the management. All over the world statesmen aie continually dinning into our ears the undeniable truth that a better spirit must prevail between those who serve in t..he ranks and those who direct from higher positions if we are to have industrial peace. For this canon of industrial life to be grossly flouted by a democratic Government department's highly placed officers is inexcusably foolish. In these days when so great a proportion of labour is highly skilled and reasonably well educated, cold official' formality which might impress the ignorant and downtrodden no longer sullices. On the showing of the past week's turmoil one may judge that a change of heart is sorel,v needed. Despite all the ridicule that has been |>oured on the phrase "heart to heart talk," any man who has proven himself successful at handling men and instilling a spirit of goodwill and cooperation among those working unde. his direction will unhesitatingly alii I'm that a little human sympathy and understanding of the other fellow's point of view smooths down many a rough road. Let us hope that this will prove one of the lessons of the railway strike, and that more amicable relations will exist in future between the management and the rank and file.