RAILWAY RETRENCHMENT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12749, 21 April 1909, Page 5

RAILWAY RETRENCHMENT.

(Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 20.

An attempt was made by a New Zea- ' land Times representative to-day to secure from Mr T. Ronayne (General Manager of Railways) a statement as to how far the dismissals from the Railway Workshops were likely to proceed. "It is all a matter of policy," stated the General Mana- i ger. These dismissals have taken place not only at Aldington, but at Newmarket, Hillside, and Petone shops, where men known, as term casuals have completed their work and nothing remains for them • to do. "There is a shortage of orders," added Mr Ronayne. "We have completed 250 twelve-ton waggons at Addington for the Hurunui-Bluff section, and there is not another order to keep. the men. employed." Can yon say if there are to be further dismissals, Mr Ronayne? "It largely, depends on the development of the North ■ Island Main Trunk line," replied the Gen- '• eral Manager. "The slump in the timber , traffic caused an unlooked-for drop in re- I venue, and we cannot go on building if the revenue is dropping." Are dismissals j likely to take place in other sections of the service? "It all depends upon the number of trains run," answered Mr Ronayne. "You cannot reduce your traffic employees unless you cut out trains. We have no surplus men. If it is decided to reduce train mileage there could be a big reduction in enginemen, firemen, yardmen, etc., but if business has to be done you must have the men." Mr Ronayne mentioned that the last batch of men dismissed from Addington included 8 labourers, 3 iron moulders, 8 boilermakers, 7 "holders up," 8 turners, and 2 fitters.