STATE TRANSPORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23339, 6 May 1939, Page 16

STATE TRANSPORT

THE RAIL SERVICES MINISTER REVIEWS GROWTH ADDRESS TO EMPLOYEES The progress of the railway service under the administration of the Labour Government wa,s described by the Minister of Railways, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, when speaking at tho 53rd anniversary celebration of the Otahuhu branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, in the Railway Social Hall, Newmarket, last night. Mr. L. 1). McCallum presided over a large attendance of members. The Minister said that, in viewing events in retrospect, they could not help fieing impressed with the achievements of tho society oii behalf of its membership and tho wonderful progress that the organisation had made throughout the years. It was right that they should remember with affectionate gratitude tho sacrifices of those who laid the foundations and pioneered tho movement. Strength of Society

In spite of tho early difficulties and objections, tho society had continued to make steady progress, and in 1894 it had been accorded formal recognition by tho Railway Commissioners. To-day it had tho proud distinction of being one of the most solid and one of the strongest trade unions in tho Dominion, with a memborship of approximately 13,500.. The Government had steadily pursued the realisation of an objective to make the Dominion's railway system tho most efficient for its size in the world, Mr. Sullivan added.- They had done much to improve the rolling stock and had performed much other work. Large numbers of people had paid generous tribute to the splendid service they were receiving from the national transportation system.

For the year ended March 31, 1939, the department had obtained its record revenue, carried record traffic, met the cost of the improved staff conditions, made full provision for capital depreciation out of the year's earnings, and was able to show a net revenue of over £700,000 on the year's working. Part Played in Industry

"An aspect of the railway not usually realised is the part it plays in industry," Mr. Sullivan continued. In tho last financial year, out of a total expenditure of £8,6-14,000, the railways had paid £5,254.851 in wages, as against £4,902,226 in the previous year. There were 25,133 persons directly employed, and probably as many more were given indirect employment. Since 1935, when the Government came into office, the number of employees had increased by 7932. Tonnage carried had advanced from* 7,516,049 tons to 7,539,012 tons, and the number of passengers from 22,441,212 to 23,265,768. Other speakers included Mr. G. H. Mackley, general manager of railways, Mr. L. Mcllvride, general secretary of the association, Mr. J. T. Schriffer, secretary of the. Railway Officers' Institute, Mr. R. McDonald and Air. E. Furness, chairman and secretary respectively of the Otahuhu branch of the association, and Mr. I. M. Wilson.