RAILWAYMEN AND THE WAR

Otago Witness, Issue 3312, 5 September 1917, Page 41

RAILWAYMEN AND THE WAR

WELLINGTON, August 28. Some interesting information in regard to railwaymcn at the front is given in the Railways Statement, which was presented to Parliament to-day. From April 1 until November, 1916 when the Military Service Act came into operation —1056 members of the permanent staff volunteered for service. This brought the total enlistments by the permanent staff up to 3000. Including the casual hands who regularly work for the department, therailwaymcn already released for military service total 5500, representing 30 per cent, of the normal staff. The department has carefully revised the train time-table, and has submitted to the Government proposals for the release at regular intervals of drafts aggregating 1000 additional men if that number is able to pass the military tests. The scheme, which necessarily involved a curtailment of train services, received a great deal of close attention. All services have been co-ordinated to ensure as far as practicable the least inconvenience to tho users of the railways. The curtailed train service under contemplation can only ho undertaken satisfactorily during the summer months, when the live stock and grain trafhc entails much special running, by the most complete and loyal co-operation of all members of the railway service. The effort required when tho business is heavy in the summer will entail longer hours and considerable sacrifice on trio part of all concerned, specially on the depleted staff in the traffic, working, and running branches, but the manner in which the staff have met their obligations in tho past leaves no ground' for doubt that they will carry out ungrudgingly their share of the extra obligations thrown upon them on account of tho war.