The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1914. THE RAILWAY SERVANTS.
It appears evident that Mr. llerr'cV efforts to pacify Hie complaints of i.ic railway employees have not met with unqualified success. Shortly after taking office he took steps to improve the position of a section of the service, hut, if we may judge from the remarks passed at the meeting of the Locomotive Engine-drivers', Firemen's and Cleaners' Association the second division is iiv 110 means happy under the new regulations. Mr. Kennedy, in the course of n speech at the social gathering held in Christchurch on Saturday, spoke plainly of the anomalies and injustices contained in the new regulations, and expressed disappointment with the stand, or rather want of stand, taken hy the members of Parliament upon this question of vital importance to the railway men. lie certainly put forward a good rase for his section of the service, and undoubtedly disclosed some just causes for discontent amongst the workmen. Mr. Herries promised much when lie took over the portfolio of Railways, and the men looked forward eagerly for redress of their grievances, hut they still have to look ahead for the promised benefits from the Government. It is true that a great deal has been done to improve the conditions of the service, ai the figures quoted hy Sir Joseph Ward in Wellington on Saturday night showed, but all has not been accomplished, and the Government does not at prestnt appear disposed to undertake the completion of its task. Mr. Herries no doubt pleads financial difficulties, but the excuse cannot carry great weight, because it is plainly the duty of the Administration to sec that the railways are run under conditions which will enable the employees to be paid fair wages and allowances. Neither does the shortage of cash justify aueh differentiation us was disclosed at the Cliristehurrfi gathering. Allowances do not appear to be justly proportioned by any means. In the matter of lodging allowances, ' sick pay and travelling expenses the men in the second division appear lit a decided disadvantage, and if Mr. Herries is to make good his early promises something should be done during ths coining session. It is a great pity to sec discontent being sown amongst such a line body of men as the railway servants, and Mr. Herries should be urged to remove the causes of friction witV j out any further procrastination. Whc,i ■ in opposition lie was ready enough to I pour the acid upon the Liberal AdniinI istration of the railways, but since as- .' Burning office he has shown little desire 1* to push ahead with promised reforms. The appointment of a General Manager at £3OOO a year appears to have bed an achievement which has left the Minister devoid of ambition for further action.
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Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 197, 18 February 1914, Page 4
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465The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1914. THE RAILWAY SERVANTS. Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 197, 18 February 1914, Page 4
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