RAILWAY MANAGEMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 14966, 28 August 1912, Page 9

RAILWAY MANAGEMENT.

A MINISTERIAL HINT AND AN EX-MINISTER’S A DVTC’R. [From Orn Paruamkstart Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 27. A question and a brief reply in the Houso to-day elicited important information as to tho powers of tho now General Manager of Railways, proposed to be secured from England whon -Air T. Ronayno resigns. Sir Joseph Ward asked if the new General Manager ol Railways was to have any different salary or greater privileges in regard to control of the staff than the present General Manager. The Hon. AV'. H. Horrics (Minister of Railways); Just the same as at present. Sir Joseph AA'ard expressed satisfaction at the reply. He was not prepared to hand over the control of a great department to one man. The present General Manager, Mr Ilcmayne, had done astonishing work under great difficulties in connection with the evolution of the railways, and. on the whale, he doubted if a new man imported from tho Old Country could bring that varied experience to boar in connection with the position which was so valuable to all interests in New Zealand. The Minister declared that the importation of a General Manager for the Railways was one of the strong planks in the Governor’s Speech in June last. Were the members of that party now trying to throw overheard that proposal in order to criticise its adoption by the present Government “ '“As late Minister of Railways, 1 went very carefully into the whole position, and I came to the decision that it was in the best interests of the country that a now General Manager of Railways should be appointed.” remarked Mr Myers. Mr Xosworthy: That was our policy years a^o. Mr Myers ; 1 am not raising the question of whose policy it >ras It wa-, in the Mackenzie Budget. Air Xosworthy : You took it from ns. Air Myers : “ I can assure you you are the most extensive borrowing Government that have over sut on the Treasury benches.” (Opposition laughter.) Air Alyers went on to say that ho believed in looking on such questions from a national {mint of view, and anything in the best interests of the country he was going to support, irrespective of party. Reverting to the appointment of the new Railway Alanager, ho said ho believed they should allow applications from New Zealand. (Hear, hear.) If they had a man in the service or in the community who had the qualifications, thev would be obliged to give him the position, but he did not consider there was such a man. As Afinister of Railnays he was surprised to find they had such a number of capable men in the Railway .Service, but he sincerely hoped the Minister would not advise a ballot for the position, because he believed it was too important lo trifle with. Hon. Air Fisher: Didn’t you get your appointment by ballot’r ((Laughter.) Air Alyers: “No : I was called. I had a special call.” (Renewed laughter.) The member for Auckland East added that ho was quite willing to defend any act of the Alaeketizie Alinistry. He believed they were one of the host Ministries that had been in New Zealand lor many years, and he regretted that their time had been so brief, or they would have proved themselves quite equal to tho present Alinistry. Mr Isitt: The good the young. (Laughter.) In conclusion, Air Mvers emphasised the advantages of obtaining a manager with experience of large railway systems, declaring that if a wise selection were made it, would satisfy the. Railway Service.