"RAGGING" IN THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8544, 26 September 1907, Page 6

"RAGGING" IN THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

(By Telegraph—Parliamentary Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, September 25. In the House, this afternoon, Mr Laurensqn asked th 3 Acting Minister for Railways: "Whether he is aware that it is alleged that in a number of railway cleaning-sheds throughout tie colony 'ragging' of the most brutal, and in many cases revolting, description is practised on lads first joining the service as cleaners; and if he finds that'such is the case will he take such steps as will not only make an example of the actual offenders, but will he also see that adequate punishment is meted out to officers in charge cf such sheds who have permitted [ragging to reach its'alleged present scandalous proportions." "Coruplaints have at various times been made that .new cleaners have been interfered with by the older members in the sheds," said Sir Joseph Ward irf reply, "and every instance that has been brought under notice has been fully investigated and suitable punishment has been meted out to the offenders; dismissal has- in some cases followed the offence, and in others severe fines have been imposed.-' Every effort ia put forth to prevent the practice, and if cleaners who are interfered with would promptly' report the mattar, giving the names of the offenders, it would go a long way towards stamping out the practice referred to, as the Department would then be in a position to sheet home the blame to those upon whose shoulders j it should actually fall, It is quite' possible that every case of interference with cleaners is not reported and . consequently does not come under notice, and those concerned escape punishment. Suitable action will, however, lontinue to be taken and severe punishment meted out to offenders in every case that is reported and proved."