RAILWAYS PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 112, 4 February 1933, Page 11

RAILWAYS PROBLEM

Canada’s Main Systems AMALGAMATION PROPOSAL Ottawa, Feb. 2. The possible amalgamation of the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Railways received a decided setback on Thursday when the Senate Committee accepted the general recommendations of the Duff Royal Commission that reviewed the railway situation, with only one dissenting vote. The committee endorsed the preamble of a Bill incorporating the report of the Commission, in effect accepting the principle of closer co-operation between the two systems with a Board of Trustees to manage the Canadian National and an Arbitral Board to settle disputes between the two lines. The Bill has not yet been reviewed by the Senate as a whole or the House of Commons.

Senator Raoul Dandurand, the Liberal leader, and Senator Murdock, one of his followers, crossed swords, Senator Dandurand charging Senator Murdock with representing special interests, and Senator Murdock charging Senator Dandurand with representing the bankers. Senator Murdock, former Liberal Minister of Labour, is vice-president of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.

That the Canadian banks forced the Canadian National and the Canadian Pacific Railways to make the second ten per cent, wage cut announced last Sunday was alleged by Senator Murdock on Thursday before the Senate Committee which is reviewing railway legislation.