ROMANCE OF INDUSTRY

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 62, 15 March 1933, Page 9

ROMANCE OF INDUSTRY

~ The career of the late Sir Henry Thornton was a veritable . romance of industry. Born at Logansport, Indiana, U.S.A., -in 1871, and graduating from the University of Pennsylvania twentythree ye.ars later, he obtained a position as draughtsman'with the Pennsylvania Railroad. It was a humble beginning for a man who for many years was one of the leading figures" in the railway world. After holding various high executive posts in America his opportunity came when he ,was invited in 3914 to reorganise the Great Eastern Railway. The appointment of an American vfor this task evoked -much criticism, but the decision of the board speedily justified itself. Shortly after the war started he was made a member of the executive committee of general managers which, under the direction of the Government, controlled and operated all British railways. In 1916 he was appointed.Deputy-Director of Inland Water Transport, with the rank of colonel in the Royal Engineers. Early in 1917 he was sent to Paris as Assistant Director of Railway Movements, and in 'that capacity represented the Director and the Army Council in all negotiations relating to .transportation with the French, Italian, and United States Governments. Rapid promotion followed, and by 1918, with the rank of major-general, he was in charge of all British Army transportation on the Continent. He was'knighted for his services in 1919. His organising genius was recognised by the Government and his fellow railway managers, and it was. a great surprise to all when in 1922 he accepted the invitation to assume administrative control of the Canadian National Railways. In this capacity he grappled with problems calculated, to daunt a man of lesser courage and resource, and ho solved them in a manner which compelled the admiration of all who realised what he was up against. In his capacity as president of the C.N.R., Sir Henry received a salary of 75,000 dollars a year, with a 15,000-dollar expense account, and 5000 dollars yearly as the chairman of the Ontario Car Company. In addition he was given n free house. Last year, however, the C.N.E. was the subject of a comprehensive investigation, and a report by a committee set up by the Federal Government. The report which the committee tabled in the House of Commons in May recommended that the grant of the free house should be discontinued, that the 5000 dollars from the Ontario Car Company should cease, and that the expense account should bo reviewed. These proposals were part of a far-reaching campaign of economy. Tributes were paid to Sir Henry Thornton from all sides, but the committee considered that the directors of the C.N.R., in their desire to recognise Sir Henry's services, had gone too far in granting him, additional provisions of salary and.house. This move by the directors had come from a wish to-show appreciation of the man who had brought the C.N.B. to a high standard of efficiency. In 1928 the railways paid their way, both operating expenses and the interest on the securities held by the general public. Subsequently the earnings dropped, and the committee recommended the sale of the shipping services maintained by the C.N.R., save those to the West Indies or on the Pacific Coast, a revision' of salaries (96 officials receive more than 10,000 dollars a year and 37 officials more than 15,000 dollars a year), a stiffer audit, an overhaul of pensions, and a general reduction of costs.

Sir Henry resigned from the position of president of the C.N.R. in July last year.