ANIMOSITY TO MR HILEY.

Bruce Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 73, 17 September 1917, Page 3

ANIMOSITY TO MR HILEY.

When the Railway Estimates were reached on Friday night there was no mistaking the animosity in which Mr Hiley, the general manager, was held by some members, notably Dr Thacker. Probably no other member in Parliament carries less weight than the doctor, w r ho has found so .many mare's, nests since he, by chance, secured his entry into the House, and anything he says is now regarded with doubt until he produces proof for his statements. This he frequently is unable to do, and has been bowled out by Sir James Allen on quite a number of occasions. Dr Thacker took the opportunity afforded by the Estimates to launch an attack upon the Minister for Railways ami the general manager for their alleged disregard of the convenience of suburban residents. The attack may or may not have been justified on the ground of general bad management, and so far as the Minister was concerned; but even if it were, it was questionable taste for a member of Parliament to attack a railway official for any assistance he may have given to the Defence Department. THE RAJLWAYS. After a debate of six hours the Railway Estimates for the year were passed. There was a division, but that evidenced- the general opinion of Parliament upon the work of the Department. The management may not be all that could be desired, but the people should remember that times . are abnormal, that men are required for military service from the railways as well as from other great business concerns. It ■would be impracticable to continue, the original service and at the same time liberate men for the army. Some argue that women could fill the vacancies caused- by the first division men joining the colours. No doubt they could, but they would require training, and this cannot be given in a few weeks. Hon. W. H. Herries made a good defence of his Department. He proved that no better arrangements could be made if the country wished railway men to go to the front. If the public ■were satisfied to allow his staff to remain in civil employment there would be no difficulty in continuing a full railway service. REFORM PARTY CAL'OUS. The Reform Party held a caucus during the past week at which there was a full attendance. This party followed the same course as the Liberals hail done the previous week, and after congratulating Right Hon. W. F. Massey, it pledged him support. There is an idea that party feeling is dead in the House, yet it has never been more pronounced than it is to-day. Every opportunity is taken by the Liberals to attack the Reform Ministers, and while doing so to throw bouquets at their own "representatives. This is so apparent that some Reform members who had taken up an independent and impartial attitude towards the Ministry are now following the old party rule and criticising their opponents alone. This is disadvantageous to the Government and country. Vet, if there were an election, it would have to be under Hie joint leadership of Massey and Ward a! a. National Party. Thero are no Other leaders in the Uouse«