RAILWAY COMPANIES

Camp News (Northern Command), Volume 1, Issue 22, 27 September 1940, Page 5

RAILWAY COMPANIES

Minister Addresses Men At Ngaruawahia FINE RESPONSE PRAISED Recently the Minister of Railways, Mr. Sullivan, accompanied by the General Manager of Railways, Mr. E. Casey, paid a z visit to the 16th and 17th Railway ' Operating Companies in the camp near Ngaruawahia. The party was received by Major Oliphant, Camp Commandant, and Captain Seddon. Subsequently a ceremonial parade of the two companies was held under the command of Lieuten-ant-Colonel A. H. Sage. The members of the companies were briefly addressed by Mr. Sullivan, who said he was deeply impressed by the bearing of the men on parade. It was a great source of pleasure to him that the call for enlistments had been so promptly answered by railwaymen, and that the number of men required for the railway operating companies ,quickly came forward. In one week the number of offers of service received were more than 'double the number required. This was all the more encouraging in view ,of the short notice given and the consequent short time for the men to adjust their private affairs. “We all realize the issues for which we are fighting,” Mr. Sullivan said. “We are fighting to maintain the right of free people to retain their own national ■ existence, and, above all, the right to govern ourselves. We in our democratic state have our trade unions, political parties, and all the advantages that democracy can offer, and if Great Britain were to lose the titanic struggle in which she is now engaged, then we would obviously be deprived of those advantages. Country Grateful. “The Government and the people of this country are grateful to each and everyone of you for making great sacrifices in order to serve' your country, and for the wonderful way in which you responded to the appeal made for volunteers, and today I am sincerely proud of you because of your martial bearing, which has been very favourably commented upon by your commanding, officers. I know you will continue to justify the high opinions held of you during the whole course of your military career.” Mr. Casey expressed his pride at the wonderful response which the railwaymen had given to the call for their

service to assist the nation in its hour of peril. He also mentioned that there are more than .2000 railwaymen serving in New Zealand's armed forces, an'd assured those present that in no case would the member’s departmental prospects suffer by reason of his absence on . military duties.