AN UNNECESSARY ALTERATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13518, 15 February 1906, Page 5

AN UNNECESSARY ALTERATION.

TO THE EDITOR. SlE,—I notice from a paragraph in youv paper that tho Minister of Railways haj dccidcd to close the railway goods slieds at 4.30 p.m. 011 five days of the week, and at 12 noon on Saturday. It also appears that these new regulations were derided on owing to representations made by Mr Arnold, M.11.R., that some men employed in the railway goods sheds wero worked unduly long hours. I should like to ask our representative the following questions: (1) How many men are effected by the present arrangements, and are they permanent or casual hands? (2) Wero the officers of the department, who aro responsible for tho working of these hours, consulted cither beforo or after tho interview with tho Minister, and was tho latter fully acquainted with the truo fa'cts? (3) Is "it not a fact that tho complaint was made by a few casual men who arc paid by tho hour, and tho majority of whom aro perfectly satisfied with the present arrangements? (4) Was the question of what- 'effect would the revised regulations liavo on tho trading community or those engaged in tho carrying business considered? (5) Is not Mr Arnold aware that practically all carters engaged aro employed as weekly men, and tho new regulatians will mean a direct loss of their services of half an hour per day to their employers? If Mr Arnold is anxious to utilise his energy for tlio working men I consider that the letter appearing in this morning's issue over the signaturo of "One of the Under-paid Men" will give him ample scope for his surplus onergics.—l am, etc., Dunedin, February 14. Employee.