RAILWAY EMPLOYES.

Press, Volume XIX, Issue 2811, 6 May 1872, Page 3

RAILWAY EMPLOYES.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, —Mr Andrew Duncan, late Mayor of Chriscchurch, M.P.C. for Hcathcote, moved in the Provincial Council last evening, for the appointment of a select committee to enquire into the management of the Canterbury railways. In the course of his speech he said, "There was no one who had stood up for the rights of the working man, and that he should have his fair wages, more than he had ;" (vide Press this day). In this same speech he informed the Council that one man had consented to take 20s per week instead of 24s rather than be thrown out of his billet ; but he neglected to inform the Council that this one man was a one-armed mna (disabled at a flax mill), quite competent for the duty he had undertaken, but still, unfit to fight a fair battle with other men having the use of both arms. Yet, upon this basis, he raiscstheargument and draws the conclusion that the Manager of the Railways had neglected to carry out the instructions of the Secretary for Public Works—or, in other words, tacitly infers— had deliberately tried to thwart the resolution of the Provincial Council. Mr D. professes to assist the working man I He sanctions a reduction of pay from 24s to 20s per week. He really and truly advertises this. Yet he is sorry. I ask —Is there auy consistency between his profession and his action ? Has he fairly stated his premises ? Does the conclusion which lie has arrived at, logically follow ? I think not. Yours, &c, Not Proven. Christchurch, 3rd May, 1872.