RAILWAY INQUIRY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16035, 28 January 1920, Page 2

RAILWAY INQUIRY.

(Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON. January 27

Mr Hampton addressed himself to dhe demand to the Government the desirableness of the men, through their organisation, baying representation on the management and control of the” railway system. His Honor stated that the subject came within the scope of the inquiry, but he had no objection to being addressed on the question. According to Mr Hampton, the men desired a Board of Control, on the lines of that being established in England, giving the men an appreciable voice in the management, and freeing the New Zealand railways from political control, besides making for efficiency and greater interest on ,the part of the men. If this were granted, the men would not have the deep-rooted objection they at present held of the merit system proposed by the General Manager, which put to much power into one man's hands. He believed if the Board would recommend the proposal to the Government it would be sympathetically received. The Second Division also wanted representation on all Departmental Boards of Inquiry and on Promotion Boards, which latter they asked should be established. The men strongly urged that the division barrier be abolished as at present it was virtually impossible for the Second Division to rise high in the sendee, in contrast to what obtained in the English services. Mr Hampton concluded his statement of the case for the Second Division, and the Board■ adjourned until to-morrow, when Mr Macdonald will submit the departmental reply. ..