The Star THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1920. RAILWAY APPEALS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19846, 15 January 1920, Page 4

The Star THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1920. RAILWAY APPEALS.

U is perhaps only a sign of the times that tho number of appeals against List 1)3, issued in December last, should constitute a record in tho history of the New Zealand railway service. It is stated—and there is a good deal of evidence to support the claim—that discontent was never more rife among the railwaymen of the country. Tho public has become more or less accustomed to complaints from what is known as the Second Division of the service, but it is a significant fact that tho Railway Officers' Institute, which has hitherto refrained from publicly pressing iis claims, has come to the conclusion that mere acquiescence in tho will of departmental heads is not a: payable policy Tho conference which is sitting in Dunedin lias adopted a firm tone, and it is being spurred on by even more drastic resolutions from various branches. It has adopted a new salaiy schedule for presentation to the Wages Inquiry Board, and in all probability there will be claims lor overtime and Sunday duty and for the fixing of definite working hours. The spirit- of discontent being present in tho higher grades of the -service, it is not to be wondered at that it is even more prevalent among the great body of loco and traffic employees. We are informed that the number of resignations from the service threatens to constitute a serious problem unless the flow can be cheeked. 1 ho defections arc not confined to inexperienced men who find the work uncongenial. Among them arc men who have records of long and meritorious service to their credit. Such a peculiar circumstance requires explanation, and it is not to bo explained uy the mere assertion that tho men have gone to something better. The railway service, with its regular work and pay, and its superannuation Scheme, should possess attractions sufficient to ensure the adherence of thoso who enter it. When men sacrifice their positions, and tho prospective benefits of the superannuation fund, it is a poor compliment to the service. The question arises as to what- tho Government proposes to do to meet tho situation. The appointment of a Wages Inquiry Board was a practical step, but unless the board proceeds with some expedition it is not likely to exercise a pacific influence on a- service which is talking revolt. The board met recently in Wellington, but almost immediately adjourned for a week.’ It has taken up an inquiry which, in justice to the service, should be carried through with expedition. -A new D 3 list is due i n April, and there arc substantial reasons why matters should be adjusted between the Department and its officers ucjoro that list is issued.