RAILWAY OFFICERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20709, 6 May 1929, Page 5

RAILWAY OFFICERS.

ANNUAL SMOKE CONCERT. . The Hillside Railway Workshops social hall was the scene of a pleasant gathering on Saturday evening, when the Otago branch of the'New Zealand Railway Officers’ Institute held its annual smoke concert. Mr A. JI. Cameron occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of members and friends. Mr A, E. Anaell, M.P., was also present. Following the honouring of the loyal toast, Mr M. Curran proposed the toast of “ The Institute.” The speaker traversed the progress of the institute since its foundation, 34 years ago, and stated that after it had been officially recognised by the department it had done a great deal of good work. For this, much of the credit was due to the foundation members, who, in the early years, had used every endeavour to establish it on a firm basis, so that the coming generation should reap the benefit. That their labours had not been in vain was evidenced by the fact that every institute member was a good railway man, and many of the original members now held high positions in the service. In responding to the toast, Mr G. D. said that all the members, of the institute 1 who had taken any active part in its affairs knew that but for its help the railway officers would be in a much worse position than they were at present, both so far as working conditions were concerned and financially. It was the duty of every one of the younger officers in the service to become not only members but working members of the institute, to encourage others to join, and to advance its interests in every way. In proposing the toast of “The Railway Service,” Mr C. Barnes said he considered this the most important toast of the evening. _He specially wished to refer to the cordial relations which existed between the various staffs and the departmental heads; and this bad been much more noticeable during the past few years. Moreover, it was encouraging to note that much better feeling now existed between the department and its clients. This was due in no small measure to the efforts of the_ executive officers in co-operating with their staffs to give the best service to the public. He considered that the New Zealand railways could compare favourably with those in any part of the world. He wished to couple with his toast the names of Mr 6. Greig (chief commercial agent for New Zealand), Mr J. Atkinson (assist ant locomotive foreman), and Mr W, L. M‘Evoy (assistant foreman. Hillside Workshops). In reply, Mr Greig said that the portion of his life spent in the railway service had been a progressive education. It had been well said that the railways were the life blood of the community, and it behoved each and every officer in the service to give of his best to the department and the public. Mr Atkinson and Mr M'Evoy also replied briefly, and referred to the cordial relations which existed between the various departments. The toast of “ Parliament ” was proposed by Mr Greig, who said that the members of Parliament throughout the country had always taken a very friendly interest in the railway servants and were always ready to assist them in any way possible. He regretted that'the Minister of Railways (Mr W, B. Taverner) was not present, but he was pleased to see with them _ that evening a very worthy representative in the person of Mr Ansell. Mr Ansell, replying to the toast, expressed his pleasure at being present, more especially as it gave him an opportunity of coming more closely into touch with the officers of a public department. He had been struck by the appeal made to the members of the institute to support it loyally, and he was sure if they did this rt would be of great assistance to them. There was a great fight coming between rail and motor transport in the near future, and he would impress on the younger members of the service the necessity for preparing for this fight, as only by their whole-hearted loyalty to the service and co-operation with their fellowofficers could the railways compete satisfactorily with motor transport and maintain their efficiency. Other toasts honoured were " Kindred Societies. "The Press,” and “The Chairman, During the eevning an enjoyable programme of musical items was presented; the following contributing:— Messrs V. W. Couch (pianoforte solos), R. Watkins, R. Robinson, F. M'Gee. and V W Couch (songs), and J. T. Turnbull and Monce (cornet solos). Mr V.--W. Couch acted as accompanist.