RAILWAY WORKSHOPS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2481, 21 April 1909, Page 5

RAILWAY WORKSHOPS.

DISMISSAL OF EMPLOYEES

[Per Press Association.]

WELLINGTON, April 20

An attempt was made by the New Zealand “Times” representative yesterday to secure from Mr. Ronaync (general manager for Railways) a statement as to how far dismissals from the railway workshops were likely to proceed. “It is all a matter of policy,” said the general manager. “These dismissals have taken place, not only at Addington, but at Newmarket, Hillside, and Petone shops, where men known by the term 'casuals’ have completed their work, and nothing remains for them to do. There is a shortage of orders, added Mr. Ronaync: “Wo have completed 250 12-ton waggons at Addington for the Hurunui-Bluff section, and there is not another order for waggous to keep tliG men employed. “Can you say if there are to be further dismissals, Mr. Ronaync?” “It largely depends upon the development of the North Island Mam Trunk line,” replied the general manager “The slump in the timber trade caused an unlocked for drop in the revenue, and wc cannot go on budding if the revenue is dropping.” “Are the dismissals likely to take place in other parts of the service? “It all depends upon the number ot trains run,” answered Mr. Ronaync • “you cannot reduce your traffic employees unless you cut out trains. .vv ] have no surplus men. lr it is decided to reduce the train mileage there would be .a big reduction in enginemon, .firemen, yardmen, etc., but if the business is to be done you must have the men. Mr. Ronayne mentioned that the last batch of men dismissed from Addington included eight laborers, three ironmoulders. eight boilermakers, seven “holders up,” eight turners and two fitters.