RAILWAY SERVICE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 236, 5 October 1936, Page 9

RAILWAY SERVICE.

QUESTION OF GRADING. HOPE FOR OVERHAUL. Promises to investigate railway grading were made the general manager of New Zealand Railways, Mr. G. H. Mackley, when speaking a'j the annual reunion of the Auckland branch of the Railway Officers' Institute on Saturday The gathering was hald in the Newmarket Social Hall. Mr. Mackley's statement was made in his 'reply to the toast, "The Department." While he could make no promises, Mr. Mackley said he would see if something could not be done in this year's classification to help out some of those at the top of grade VII. regrading, he added, * had been awaited for some time and was being investigated immediately. He also said he would inquire what it would cost to make some improvements they wanted in the social hall.

A previous mention of the men in grade VII. was made by Mr. E. W. Barnes, president of the institute, replying to the toast of "The Institute." Mr. Barnes said officers had still to face the f .ct that the majority were spending about 20 years, when their financial need was greatest, in grade VII. In spite of a continued lack of vacancies in the higher grades, they were hoping that further goodwill promotions would be made this year. Mr. Barnes said that the institute had the utmost goodwill for the Government and wished to help in every "way possible. The Hon. M. Connelly, M.L.C., responding to the toast, "Ex-Railway Men," said he looked for the time when railway insti'utions would be co-ordinated so that they would unite to help the Government in advancing the service. So long as he was associated with the Minister of Railways he would work to advance the industry into its rightful position and build up conditions for the workers. The stationmaster at Auckland, Mr. C. E. Barnes, presided, and ' visitors included, as well as Mr. Mackley,, Mr. Barnes and Mr. Connelly, the transportation superintendent. Mr. G. T. Wilson, the publicity manasrer, Mr. G. Gi- Stewart, and Mr. J. F. B. Cotterill, M.P. for Warganui. Both Mr. Connelly and Mr. Cotterill are old railway servants. Durinsr the evening items were given by Messrs. Harwood, Rose, Sheard, Richards a-nd Dugmore.