RAILWAY SERVANTS' PAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14281, 1 August 1908, Page 7

RAILWAY SERVANTS' PAY.

Sin,—Though 0110 acknowledges that the farmcra, who constituto tho " backbone" of tho country, desorvo every encouragement and assistance, 0110 foils to perceive why/i one class of workers should have all the aid and another be denied' what is fairly their due. During tho drought tho Government was able to render assistance to farmers which amounted to a considerable sum, and this year it is again ooming to their aid. Yet though tho cost of 'living' is much increased,: tho wages of the railway man remain practically what they were years ago. It has not been considered ncoessary to augment them. The consequence ofthis neglect and injustice is that numbers of tho men a.ro leaving tho service, while those win. remain aro discouraged and dissatisfied. They also complain of the uncertainty of promotion, as well its of tho unfairness of its bestowal. Tho Post Offioo employees number about 1700, and reoaived concessions to the amount of Bome £68,000, while the railway employees number 13,000, and received oanccasions to tho amount of £56,000. As the Pest Office officials aro not by any moaaia overpaid, tho railway men must bo under- . paid. it has been claimed that moro intelligence is needed in post office work. Whether this is so or not, it is a fact that members of tho railway staff who were not considered proficient enough for that servioo have been employed with succcss in the Post Office Dcpartment—l am, etc., Smfathiseb.