RIGHT LINES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 951, 23 May 1890, Page 28

RIGHT LINES.

It is highly essential for the credit of the Department and the promotion of an amicable solution of the

difficulty that lias arisen that; the Railway Commissioners deal frankly and fairly with the employes. The very greatest care ought co be taken to avoid anything that can be twisted to resemble misrepresentation. We regret to say there has been cause given for accusations of the kind already. Last week the Commissioners gave publicity to a statement respecting the regulations and wages of the department that did not quite comprehend all the facts. Something was held back, viz., the modification 0 of the original conditions by the Commissioners last October, which we give in extenso elsewhere. This o-ives a different complexion to the affair, and very much strengthens the position the men have taken up. What the public will ins ; st upon is such regulations and pay as will ensure the proper and constant working of the lines, and obviate the possibility of serious antagonism on the part of the employes. We can scarcely imagine any calamity more serious to the public than the interruption of railway traffic. That must be maintained ; and also the exercise of great c ire to avoid giving cause of offence that might lead up to it. We think that the General Secretary of the Asso ciated Society of Railway Servants has made out a case in their behalf as against the Commissioners. Strong prima, facie at any rate.