RAILWAYMEN AND DISCIPLINE

Southland Times, Issue 23552, 5 July 1938, Page 7

RAILWAYMEN AND DISCIPLINE

OBJECTION TAKEN TO STATEMENTS MR ENDEAN ASKED TO MEET EMPLOYEES (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, July 4. Objection to statements about the conditions and discipline in the railway service made by Mr W. P. Endean, M.P. for Parnell, in the House of Representatives has been taken by the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Locomotive Engineers’, Firemen’s and Cleaners’ Association and by the Auckland branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, both of which organizations have passed resolutions on the subject. “I am directed to advise you that members take strong exception to remarks reported to have been made by you in the House of Representatives on Friday last regarding the alleged entire lack of discipline and the alleged appalling conditions at present in the railway service,” states a letter forwarded to Mr Endean by the secretary of the branch of the Engineers’, Firemen’s and Cleaners’ Association. “I am further directed to ask if you would be prepared to attend a meeting of railwaymen in Auckland on an early date convenient to you to discuss these questions. We contend that the discipline in the service was never higher or more efficient than at present and that any really appalling conditions have long ago disappeared.” Similar views are expressed in a resolution passed by the branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, which emphasizes the point that in its opinion “the discipline and efficiency of members was never higher than at present.” RESENTMENT EXPRESSED IN TIMARU “STANDARD OF EFFICIENCY NEVER HIGHER” (United Press Association) TIMARU, July 4. At a big meeting of railwaymen the following resolution was carried unanimously: That this combined meeting of railwaymen, representing all divisions, resents the uncalled-for remarks of Mr W. P. Endean, M.P., that lack of discipline throughout the service was a contributory factor to the recent railway accidents. This is contrary to fact as the standard of discipline has not been relaxed in the service and the standard of efficiency of the staff was never higher.