CO-ORDINATION

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 244, 16 July 1928, Page 11

CO-ORDINATION

—-—— NEW IDEAS IN RAILWAY MANAGEMENT OFFICERS’ CONFERENCE The conference of railway officers called by tho General Manager, Mr. H. H. Sterling, last month, promises to initiate a. valuable advance towards co-ordinating the work of the Department io all its branches (states the “New Zealand Railways Magazine ). There was a full attendance of beads of branches as well as both Island Divisional Superintendents, Mr. Sterling, in greeting the Prime Minister (Right Hou. J. G. Coates), who is Minister of Railways, said that be and his officers were pleased to be honoured with his visit. Mr. Sterling gave particulars of what bad been arranged, and said .that the idea of a general conference had met with the edneurrenee of tlio officers. He explained that they wanted to got, concentrated effort on every problem—to get the Whole weight of their accumulated railway knowledge. He felt that such conferences tended to break down artificial barriers and help officers in carrying out their various functions. They • would have a friendly, helpful exchange of ideas on those subjects that were most exercising their minds. “I have nothing to say in regard to the ideas and methods proposed so far as the Government and myself are com corned,” said Mr. Coates. "Mr. Sterling has discussed very fully with me the nuclei of all policy matters, and there is no difference of opinion regarding the general policy to be followed. I hope that officers of the Department will realise that the Government is in the frame of mind to stand behind them in their efforts to make the best of a difficult situation, and I assure you that you will be the last to be called to account should your efforts fail.” Mr. Coates wept on to assure them that team-work would enable them to give the best service and meet the general requirements of the public. The conference? would enable them to establish a unanimity of Opinion which Was most important. He assured them that he had cpnfidence in M r - Sterling, in the Department, and in the men selected to carry on the work. Against extraordinary difficulties they bad done remarkably well- “In any case, no one outside the Department, said Mr. Coates, “can point to any errors that have been made. Mr. Sterling ha? taken the right courge in calling the officers together and discussing their problems. Since thi? team-work has been carried on it is percolating right down through the service. Of this I am certain—if success cannot be got this way, it would be impossible to obtain it in apy way, and I again assure you of the hearty co-operation of the Government and myself—there will be no ‘sproggjng’ of efforts.” He went on to say that the Government Wduld start off with full confidence ip the railway management. They had had it in the past, and they were go? iiig to have it ip the futiye. He was pleased to feel the interest that was being taken by officers of the Department in the progress of the Department’s affairs. He himself kept in close touch with wfiat was being done, and when criticism occurred he liked to reply to it on the spot. Very frequently it arose from those who had not their information at first hand. This gave an opportunity to deal w|th criticism effectively. “We cannot,” said Mr. CoatOs, “get past all the pitfalls, but we can take reasonable steps to avoid most of them.. I know that you eatinot do more.” - Referring to Mr. Sterling, Mr. Coates said that lie wished him all success as General Manager. He asked that the men round him should have complete confidence in the management, and he extended thanks for the way in which the men of the service had rallied round the Department during its time of difficulty. Mr. Coates emphasised once again that the service cou|d rely upon 100 per cent, support and confidence from the Government.