RAILWAYS SCANDAL

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 112, 5 February 1931, Page 11

RAILWAYS SCANDAL

N.S.W. Commissioner MUST LEAVE SERVICE Colleagues Defy Premier LANG’S “RATION” THREAT By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright (Rec. February 4, 8 p.m.) Sydney, February 4. The State Railway Commissioners have dismissed from the service Mr. C. J. Goode, the Southern Area Commissioner, as a result of a departmental inquiry into his administration as Chief Traffic Manager, which post he occupied prior to being transferred to Goulburn. It is stated that Mr. Goode became active in political Labour circles, and when Mr. J. T. Lang, Premier of New South Wales, requested his services to assist in the preparation of the new Transport Bill, the commissioners refused to release him for such work pending the result of the inquiry. The Premier then threatened to “ration” the commissioners, which meant that they would be dispossessed of their pay until they agreed to place Mr. Goode at Mr. Lang’s disposal. ' The commissioners gave way, but when the departmental inquiry was completed they acted upon it, and sent the papers to the Premier who, it is considered, will hesitate to carry out his intention to appoint Mr. Goode as head of the new Transport Department at a salary of £5OOO a year, as the Railways Union opposes Mr. Goode’s elevation. CANBERRA’S FUTURE No Danger of “Scrapping” SCULLIN’S ASSURANCE Canberra, February 4. The Prime Minister, Mr. J. H. Sculiin, told a deputation of local townsfolk that the Government had not the slightest intention of scrapping the Federal capital. PRICES REDUCED Cost of Living Compared TREND IN COMMONWEALTH Sydney, February 4. According to figures Issued, the average decrease in the cost of food and groceries in December last, compared with December, 1929, was 13.8. The cost of living in South Australia fell 17/8, being the heaviest decrease, and in New South Wales 11/9, the smallest 'WAGE CUT APPEAL Decision Expected To-day (Rec. February 4, 10.30 p.m.) Melbourne, February 4. Argument on the Federal Government’s application for the postponement of the 10 per cent, wage cut was heard In the full Arbitration Court’today. The decision was reserved and is likely to be delivered to-morrow. The appeal was based on the assertion that the operation of the cut would prejudice Federal schemes for the alleviation of the present financial crisis. left' WING GREEDY Vacancies in Ministry Sydney, February 4. If ttie plans of the left wing section of the Federal Parliamentary Labour Party materialise, Tasmania will be without representation in the Ministry. Attempts are being made to compel Mr. Scullin to fill the two vacancies by a member for New South Wales and one from Victoria.