RAILWAY MEN'S GRIEVANCES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 30 September 1907, Page 2

RAILWAY MEN'S GRIEVANCES.

A correspondent of the Dunnlin Evening Star writes:—"l notice that the Railway Department denies Mr Thomas' timely statement that if drivers were too cautious they were reduced in pay. I do not know if any have been actually reduced in pay; but I know cases in which punishment more severe than re. rtuction in pay has been inflicted hecause drivers observed the most vital ! safety rules. The local and general officials must have punctuality in the arrival of trains, whether it is consistent with the safety regulations or not. They get the credit if the train arrives to time; the driver gets the blame if it ™ an acc 'dent in the effort. ■The officials occupy the position of Head* X win, tails you lose.' It it strange the Department keeps some of its best first grade drivers shunting in the yards, whilo inexperienced tnird grade recruits drive the important passenger trains, some of them never having seen a full copy of the regulations. If all unfair competition for promotion and overtime were abolished, I think it " would confer an everlasting benefit on those who travel on the railways."

LATLST C ABLE N E ws

.(By Cable.—Press Asavi-ialiou.-—Copy right).