POSITION REVIEWED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16761, 30 January 1918, Page 4

POSITION REVIEWED.

WHY SERVICES WERE CUT. 1 DEPARTMENTAL CLAIMS. [by telegraph.—own correspondent.] ' WELLINGTON. Tuesday. The explanation of the resumption of the suburban train services—doubtless furnished by the Railway Department through the Minister not set out the full reasons, whatever these reasons may be. The cut in services was made in May, partly, it was said, because men had gone from the railway service, and partly- in preparation for releasing of numbers of other men who were shortly to be drawn in the ballot. Then followed McVilly's fight with the Military Service Boards, which ha won, and the institution of a system of ballots within the Department to let the men away as they could be spared. The public was told a lot about the first "ballot, but nothing about any other "ballot, .until some months ago, when it was announced that a second and last one would be taken. It was then stated that it would not be possible to let any more railway men go unless the services were further reduced. Instead of that the services are to be increased. There are still First Division reservists in the Railway Department who have been drawn in the ballot, but who are held because the Department has claimed that it has need of them, and some of the men, protected by the Departmental ballot, are cierks who» places would have to be taken by substitute labour in any other service. The restoration of tha services is proof that, in' the present opinion of the Government, there never has been fewer than sufficient men to give the public a much better service than that which they have had to put up with for man]' months. Although a considerable number of men have been released since the cut in train services was made, it is now stated that at partial restoration of the reduced services is to be made.