SUBURBAN RAILWAYS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 137, 9 June 1917, Page 4

SUBURBAN RAILWAYS.

WATERSIDE WORKERS' CLAIM'S.

The following telegram has been received by Mr. C. J. Parr from the Hon. Arthur M. Myers, in reply to Mr. Parr's telegram last week re suburban railways and waterside workers:— "Arrangements have been made on * national scheme basis with a view to enabling the Railway Department to do their duty to the Empire by releasing as many men of military age as possible. It has been decided to put on a Lyttelton to Christchurch late train, as and when applied for waterside workers working overtime owing to special features affecting Lyttelton, of which yoU are aware. The question of dealing with other parts is now under consideration of Cabinet. May I venture to suggest that when waterside workers require to work late those living in your constituency or beyond Otahuhu might be given preference, working during day» and those living near the city put on night work.—(Signed) Arthur Myers." Mr. Parr telegraphed further to-day as follows;— "Hon Arthur Myers, Wellington,— Thanks for telegram respecting night train and waterside workers. I shall place your suggestion before Waterside Workers' Union. We are pleased to note that Cabinet is dealing with the question. I am quite aware of s-pecial circumstances affecting Lyttelton port, which is clearly entitled to redress, May I point out that, owing to our scattered suburbs solely dependent on the railway service one night train for general use is absolutely necessary to avoid hundreds of cases of hardship now happening, I suggest that the Railway Department might easily release men and yet run suburban services by utilising service of hundreds of superannuated men and also English railway men settled in New Zealand over 45 years of age.— (Signed) C. J. Parr."