RAILWAY SERVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20325, 5 August 1929, Page 10

RAILWAY SERVICE.

LOWER WORKING EXPENSES. DEFINITE PROGRESS IN YEAR. GENERAL MANAGER'S REVIEW. " The knowledge that the working expenses of the department are being reduced is very gratifying to us and it must, bo to all," said Mr. 11. H. Sterling, general manager of railways, at the Railway Officers' Institute reunion in Auckland on Saturday evening. " A review of tho position as far as last year's working is concerned gives every reason for satisfaction," Mr. Sterling continued. " Considered on the same basis as the previous year, there was on improvement in the position last year to tho extent of some £BO,OOO. From tho figures in the Gazette the position does not look quite so happy, but there aro some factors to lie taken into consideration over which wo have no control. Two lines on which work has been discontinued have proved a substantial loss but eliminating theso wo aro about £BO,OOO to tho good. Taking into consideration the £43,000 more than the previous year, which has been put aside for depreciation and repairs, we arc really £120,000 hotter off." Public Satisfaction the Test. In taking these results as a test of their work as members of the department, Mr. Sterling made one reservation. It might be a reflection of the Government, and perhaps of their work indirectly, but it was not the final test, of the success they had achieved, as thero were so many elements beyond their control. Tho final test lay in the measure of public satisfaction. When a certain policy was dofined, it was their duty to carry it out, and their duty to tho public to do so at tho lowest possible cost. " I have the temerity to believe that in the past year wo have made some advance," he said. " It is after coming into contact with those most competent, .to express an opinion that I dare to make a statement pi advance." After emphasising tho importance of economy, Mr. Sterling spoko of organisation, upon tho harmonious functioning of which depended efficiency. When they heard of reorganisation they were not to think that it meant only Ministerial change—it, ended with the last man under him. It affected even the country stationmaster, with perhaps one man under him, for it was for him to lay a foundation of economy and efficiency upon which tho management could build. Responsibility Recognised. Tho words on the toast-list concerning tho institute made one of the finest texts lie knew of—"The institute still maintains that dignity of outlook and responsibility which has characterised it from its inception, It recognises that the success of its membership i.} coincident with tho progress of the railway service of New Zealand." " I feel that if members of the institute livo up to that text, I, as general manager, have a comparatively easy task before me," Mr. Sterling said. " The service then would give a measure of transport service satisfactory to the people owning tho railways and to the management. I am glad to know that 1 have your confidence, and as far as 1 am able to come in contact with members of tho staff they have all of mine." " We must realise that, the railways aro in a very difficult position, not only in New Zealand, but also throughout tho world," said Mr. H. R. Jenkins, M.P. Whether they would maintain their position depended upon the unity of the staff There were probably more difficult times ahead as the roads improved, but at tho present time the railways were the principal means of transport, aud they must do their best. Tho Dominion's railways suffered nothing by comparison with those of other countries. " Second to None in World." Mr. A. Harris, M.P., said that 'Parliament was proud of the railways and of the staff. Theirs was the greatest industry in New Zealand, and it had been demonstrated before, and would be again, that in spite of adverse times things would come out all right. Tho country had reason to be proud of the whole of its public service. " Men brought tip in a hard school liko yours must be better than those of an easier one by reason of tho difficulties they have encountered," said Mr. H. G. R. Mason, M.P. "It is realised that tho _\ew Zealand railways depend for their success largely nn tho railway workers, as those doing the job are the only ones able to realise whether it can be dono better. The best the administration can do is to give the worker every chance. Parliament has confidence m you and in your provision of transport facilities."

" Criticism has been made, of the New Zealand railways," said Mr. 11. T. Merrill, president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, " Hut I have always stated since my arrival in New Zealand 20 years atfo that considering (he size and age of (he country it has a railway service second to none in the world." Reference had been made to competition. Lie did not think they were suffering from it, but rather that they were gaining from it. Mr. Merritt expressed the chamber's thanks and appreciation of the commerce train. As a piece of efficiency, service and attention it was unparalleled in jail way history.