"GET TOGETHER"

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 48, 26 February 1927, Page 10

"GET TOGETHER"

MESSAGE TO RAILWAYMEN ' MR. COATES'S ADVICE The value of close co-operation between all who are engaged in the running of the Dominion railway system instead of trades union '■pin-prwkine ' and obstructive criticism, is preached by the Minister of Railways (the Right Hon. J. G. Coates) in a personal message published in the. "Railways Magazine" upon his return from abroad "One result of what I have seen of the whole-hearted co-operation and camaraderie amongst the staffs employed by some of the most successful railways," says Mr. Coates, "has . been more than ever to convince m<T that trades unionism in'the railways of New Zealand, if it is to continue to do good for the men in whose interests it has been adopted, must .encour.ige and assist in the introduction of the latest successful methods of managemen:. and production. No go6>d has ever resulted from obstructive criticism. This is the get-together age. The'practice of sweet reasonableness effects, and will continue to effect, far more all-round good than could possibly be accomplished if the management wore continually subjected to a barrage of objections from the representatives of the men employed to carry out instructions. ,In any competitive enterprise, if there is disagreement in one firm between the men and the management, the competitors get the trade.

"In a State business there is a chance that the unions, having in mind the possibility of political Reprisals may attempt to wield undue power. This can prove only detrimental to the men whom it is intended, to benefit. Political action cannot raise real wages! More and better production per man can and will. ■■'.•■' Observation overseas has strongly confirmed my belief that neither parties nor bounties, neither tariffs nor doles, can bring prosperity. This comes from one thing only—the application of brains and "industry "to all productive operations. By ■ such means alone can the railways achieve success against competition.' The rule applies equally to private business" as to a State concern. No industrial gain can follow from long-distance sniping between the men and the management. It is better to ground' arms,.and come together in goodwill, determined to pro.duce better results by consultation and co-operative action.

"Method, system, arrangement; the elimination of waste in effort and material; theso do not make work harder, but they do make it pleasanter and more remunerative. It is in effecting improvements in these directions that the co-operation of the staff—in their own interests as well as in those of the country—is" confidently anticipated. "Following the experience gained, while holding \c portfolio of Railways during the past four years, "the; Minister says in conclusion," the firsthand information now obtained overseas has, I must confess, broadened my own outlook, and I trust by the. judicious introduction of reforms in various directions, that this may prove of benefit both to the nien who work, and the public who use, our national transport system." :. -.••■■ ' *