THE GOVERNMENT STROKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LVI, Issue LVI, 20 January 1909, Page 5

THE GOVERNMENT STROKE.

IN THE ADDINGTON WORKSHOPS.

CHRISTCHURCH, January 19.

The general manager of the New Zealand railways recently forwarded the following memorandum to the chief mechanical engineer at Addington workshops: — "I have had a long interview with an expert engineer who has paid several visits to the Addington shops. He is astounded at the slow method and leisurely work of the men generally, but more especially those in the boiler shop. The men in the smith shop are also doing the Government stroke. There appears to be an \itter disregard of the foreman's presence. The men are being allowed to talk, loaf, and do a very indifferent day's work. It is absolutely necessary that this state of indifference should be brought to a close. Work at Addington costs more to produce than at Petone or Hillside."

Copies of the document have been sent to the heads of all departments for a full report.