THE PUBLIC SERVICES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17007, 14 November 1918, Page 6

THE PUBLIC SERVICES.

GREAT STAFFING DIFFICULTY

RAILWAY RESTRICTIONS. I Tha Public Services £.re still very much curtailed owing to the ii./oads tsade by the epidemic among members of staffs. The position so far as the railways are concerned shows very little change. It was stated yesterday that there are 250 trained operating men off duty. The reduced suburban time-tabh' brought into force on Monday will apply to to-day's running. The curtailments have, as far as possible, been confined to the least important suburban trains. The night suburban trains have also been discontinued. This has been found necessary in order that the reduced staff shall not* be called upon to work excessive hours, and thus threaten the men who are well with a breakdown, The goods sheds at Auckland and Newmartet were closed yesterday at i p.m., and ,vil] bo closed to-day and to-morrow at the same hour. The Department has intailed two inhalation chambers, one at v'l3 locomotive sheds and the other in t 0 Auckland station buildings, and both have been extensively used by the staff. There is very little change in the conditions at the telephone exchange, a large proportion of the staff being still off duty. Although auxiliary operators have been engaged whenever possible, the staff is very much below its normal strength, and prompt attention to calls is often impossible. Until further notice the hours of attendance will be the same as yesterday, the restrictions applying only to the period between noon and 3 p.m.