THE OUTDOOR STAFF.

Otago Witness, Issue 2413, 31 May 1900, Page 29

THE OUTDOOR STAFF.

For some time past there has been considerable dissatisfaction on the part of the outdoor staff at the want of opportunities which they possess of becoming &tationma&fcers, and an endeavour has been made to bring the wages and salaried staffs into accord as to what should be done. I find this has been a failure, and I have determined to settle the matter by making legulations which will open for the deserving— and intelligent and aged men reasonable opportunities of becoming stationmasters. I have also decided to pay stationm?.sters and other officers (on regular duty in connection with Sunday trains in the suburbs of the big centres) for Sunday duty, as I think it only right that men who are constantly required to attend to trains on Sundsys should have some payment for the work. These concessions and improvements will. I trust, lead to increased satisfaction on the part of our colonist.?, and will prove that the Railway- department is not behind the times in emulating the nrogress and enterprise so noticeable throughout the country. AGRICULTURAL SHOWS. Agricultural and pastoral associations are important institutions in this colony, and reasonable encouragement should be given by the Railway department to facilitate the working of their annual shows, and every possible inducement should be held out to exhibitors of live stock at these shows, and for the future excursion tickets for a few days prior to the date of shows will be issued to exhibitors of live stock to encourage them to provide exhibits and accompany them to the nhows at the low fares which, will be available to the public during the currency of the shows. lam sure that this reduction will be jmieh appreciated by the large class to whom it will apply.