RAILWAY RETRENCHMENT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9424, 21 April 1909, Page 5

RAILWAY RETRENCHMENT.

Per Press Association. Wellington, April 19,

An attempt was made by a New Zealand Times representative to-day to secure from Mr T.,; Ronayne, General; Manager of Railways, a statement as to how far the dismissals from the Railway Workshops were likely to proceed. “It is ail a matter of policy,” stated the General Manager. These dismissals have taken p|ace hot only at Addington, but at 5 * Newmarket, Hillside, and Petouh shops, where men known as term casuals have completed then work and nothing remains for them to do. “There is a shortage of orders,” added Mr Ronayne. “We have completed 250 twelve ton waggons at Addington for the HurunuiBluff section and there is not another order to ksep the men employed.” Can yon say if there are to he further dismissals, Mr Ronayne? “It largely depends on the development of the North Island Main Trunk Hue,” replied the General Manager. “The slump in the timber traffic caused an unlooked-for drop in revenue, and we cannot go on building if the revenue is dropping. ” Are dismissals likely to take place in other sections ,of the service? “It all depends upon the number of trains run, ’’ answered Mr Ronayne. “You cannot reduce your traffic employees unless yon out out trains. We have no surplus men. If it is decided to reduce train mileage there could be a big reduction in engiuemen, firemen, yardmen, etc., but if business has to be done you must have the men.” Mr Ronayne mentioned that the last batch of men dismissed from.Adding:on included 8 labourers. 8 iron moulders, 8 boilermakers, 7 “holders bp,” 8 turners and q Stiers.