IMPORTANT CHANGE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 4 May 1928, Page 5

IMPORTANT CHANGE

RAILWAY ADMINISTRATION. GENERAL MANAGER APPOINTED. DISCUSSED BY PRIME MINISTER. [BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOL’I VTTON. | WELLINGTON, May 3. In announcing alterations in the personnel of the railway management to-day, the Minister of Railways (Hon. J. G. Coates) indicated very important in the system of management which had been in operation since 1922. ilia system of general manager administration, previously in operation, is to be reverted to on the retirement of the present members of the Railway Board at the end of this month, and tfie position of general manager is then to be assumed by Mr. H. H. Sterling, formerly a member of the board. It had been apparent to the Government for some time, said Mr. Coates, that the commercial aspect of the railways had assumed such importance’ as to render it exceedingly desirable to secure the services of men with outside commercial training when the time came to make fresh appointments to the management. The recent retirement- of Mr. F. Jones, the chairman, on account of ill-health, created such a position, and it was felt that every effort should be made to secure the services of a fully qualified railway man with a first-class commercial training. Mr. A. W. Mouat, one of the board members, had already asked to be allowed to retire on superannuation, and sis has been agreed to. The importance of the Government’s policy was fully realised by the remaining member, Mr. J. Mason, who had expressed willingness to meet the Government in securing the interests of the service, and be iiad also been permitted to retire on superannuation. It would be necessary to make temporary arrangements till such time as the New Zealand Go-op. Dairy Company could see its way clear to release Mr. Sterling, but he would be consulted on all question® of administration in the meantime. Another important change to- be riven effect to was doing away with the position of liaison officer- in the Minister’s office. The occupant had been transferred to a somewhat similar office -attached to the general manager.