SUNDAY TRAINS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19510, 14 December 1926, Page 10

SUNDAY TRAINS.

Sir,—" The Railway Department," are told, " does not encourage the run, ning of Sunday trains as a general prr a . ciple." Oh dear, no! It, runs them on a special principle, which would not apply to Chinese, postmen and worker* generally. But-, if a sufficient number of requests aro made for their services by selfish or thoughtless people, that would put a " special" complexion on matters, letter carriers, labourers, Chines© and all would be called upon to work, and the weekly day of rest would be gone. Others have gone " the whole hog," why should not the railway and postal departments of New Zealand ? The whole sheep, I should have said, for this foolish following of others is sheepish rather than swinish. It is well to say:. " If the convenience of the public is to be met." Certainly it is not, to be met when unjust and unreasonable. And that is unquestionably unjust and unreasonable which, if conceded, would leave society without logical basis for its weekly day of rest. The catering for selfish pleasureseekers should not be permitted to rob our New Zealand workmen of that sacred day of rest to which they are entitled. If the running of Sunday train excursions is reasonable, then it would be unreasonable for a railway employee to raise " conscientious objections " against the same; and he knows that he is likely to be told so, and told off, if he protests. The workers of this country mast be loyai to each other, and not do what compels their mates to work on Sunday if they would not be compelled to wcrk on Sundays themselves. And the Government • and employers generally must allow their employees their weekly day of rest if workers are to retain their health and efficiency, and be able to provide for their own and make profit. J. G. Hughes.