RAILWAY OFFICERS’ INSTITUTE

Evening Star, Issue 20167, 6 May 1929, Page 15

RAILWAY OFFICERS’ INSTITUTE

ANNUAL SMOKE CONCERT The animal smoko concert of the Otago branch of the New Zealand Railway Officers’ Institute was held in the social hall of the Hillside workshops on Saturday night. There was a largo attendance of inembers, Mr A. Al. Cameron presiding. Mr A. E. Ansell. AI.'P., was also present. Following the loyal toast, Mr MCurran, in proposing the toast of “The Institute,’’ spoke of the progress it had made since its foundation thirty-four years ago. He stated that after the institute had been officially recognised by the department it had done a great deal of good work. For that, much of the credit was due to tho foundation members* who had used every endeavour to establish it on a linn basis, so that the coming generation would reap the benefit. That their labours had not been in vain was evidenced by the fact that every institute member was a good railwayman, and many of the original members now held high positions in the service.

The toast was responded to by Mr (I U. Smart, who said that all members of the institute who had taken any active part in its affairs knew that, but for its help, the railway officers would be in a much worse position than they were at present, both so far as working conditions were concerned and financially. It was the duty of every one of the younger officers in tho service to become not only members, but working members of the institute, to encourage others to join, and to advance its interests in every way.

The toast "of ‘‘The Railway Service” was entrusted to Air C. Barnes, who said ho wished specially to rcler to the cordial relations which existed between the various staffs and the departmental heads: and this had been much more noticeable during the past low years. Moreover, it was: encouraging to note that much better feeling now existed between tho department and its clients. This was due in no small measure to the efforts of the executive officers in co-operating with their staffs to give the best service to the public, fie considered that the Now Zealand railways could compare favourably with those in any part ol the world. He wished to couple with his toast the names of Air G. Greig (chief commercial agent for New Zealand), Air J, Atkinson (assistant locomotive foreman), and Air W. L. AFEvoy (assistant foreman, Hillside Workshops). Air Greig, in replying, said it had been well said that the railways were the life-blood of the community, and it behoved each and every officer in tho .service to give of In is best to the department and the public. Alcssr.s Atkinson and AFEvoy also responded to tho toast. “Parliament” was proposed by Air Greig, who said that the members of Parliament throughout the_ country had always taken a. very friendly info rest in' the railway servants, and were always ready to assist them in any way possible. He regretted that (ho Minister of Railways (the Hon. W. 15. Taverner) was not present, but ho was pleased to sec with them that evening a very worthy representative in tiic person of Air Ansell. Air Ansell, in reply, expressed Irs pleasure at being present that night, more specially as it gave him an opportunity of coming more closely into touch with tho officers of a pnolic department. He had been struck by tho appeal made to the members of the institute to support it loyally, ami he was sure if they did this, it would he of groat assistance to them. There was a great light coming between rail and motor transport in tho near future, and he would impress on the younger members of the service the necessity for preparing for this light, as only by their whole-hearted loyalty I.) the service and co-operation with their fellaw-officers could the railways compete satisfactorily with motor transport and maintain their efficiency. Other toasts honoured were > “Kindled Societies” and “The Chairman.” During the evening songs were sung by Alcssr.s R. Watkins. R. Robinson. F. AFGee, and V. W. Conch. Air V. W. Conch, who aha acted as accompanist, played a pianoforte solo, and AJessrs J. T. Turnbull and Alorice contributed cornet solos.