RAILWAY STAFF.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20250, 30 May 1931, Page 14

RAILWAY STAFF.

DEPARTMENT'S POLICY. TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS^ 'v. - ■■ .. An explanation of the Railway Department's policy- in filling the. vacancies caused by the retirement of leading officers in Christchurch and in otlier parts of the Dominion was given by the Minister (the Hon. W. A. Veitch) in an interview yesterday. "Tho general principle on which we arc working to get the utmost economy on the railways, the ,• financial stringency having greatly decreased traffic, is as far .as possible to give-officers in the district where vacancies have been made temporary appointments to the vacant positions. Thus wo save the cost of transferring officers from other parts to fill the considerable number of vacancies that have occurred.- Each case, however, is considered on its merits, and in some cases it has been found necessary to fill the positions by fresh appointments. In every case economy is tho ruling* consideration." Dismissals Regretted. It was regrettable that dismissals had, been necessary, but there was no option; The financial position of the Department was such .that it could afford to keep men on only when their services were, absolutely necessary. One outstanding feature, however, and a feature of the greatest importance, was the fact that the whole of the railway staff was taking the keenest interest in the business' of the Department; - He had not the slightest doubt that their efforts would bring the finances of the Department back 'to a satisfactory position. ' . "I totally disagree with the all too prevalent view that the position of the Railway Department is hopeless," said Mr Veitch. "Nothing is hopeless in this young country.".