Railways and Economy

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 80, 29 December 1930, Page 7

Railways and Economy

Sir, —If the economy introduced by the United Party into our railways is a sample of whut is to be the policy of the economy committed it-is to be hoped, that committee will never commence work. .Hundreds of single men and married men without children are retained on New Zealand railways, _ while scores of married men with families have been dismissed, and they and their families have to apply to charitable aid boardsfor relief. I would like to ask Mr. Veitch where the economy comes in. The system is bad, and the railway servants who had to leave the service were just as much entitled to employment in other departments as were the; defence servants who received that favour. Mr. Veitch then promises the remaining railway servants that no reduction will be made in their salaries. Now, sir, why should these lucky people not have some reduction in income. The yearly free, ride for them and - their families, the weekly ride at a quarter fare, low house rent, and a host of other concessions are still to be theirs, while the man who was unfortunate enough to incur the displeasure of some foreman has to go unemployed. There are other aspects to this question which should also be placed before the public, but for the present I have claimed enough of your valuable space.—l am. etc., GO STRAIGHT WILLIE. Marton, December 23.