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Railway Progress in New Zealand.
General Manager's Message.

Railway work is, in the nature of things, a very variable business, and those who engage in it require to develop a philosophy that assists them to meet with equanimity and success, seasonal variations in traffic, the stress of rush periods and the slacks that usually follow. Unless they do this their lives are not as happy as they should be, and they are probably more suited for routine jobs of steadier gait, if perhaps, of a more monotonous type.

But if they develop the philosophy which makes for happiness in railway work, then the romance of the rail gets into their blood and every day is filled with interest—it has its trials and triumphs, demanding their best efforts, but they are rewarded by the feeling of good work well done and emergencies met with understanding, sympathy and judgment.

From my personal experience of railwaymen through many years in all ranks of the service, I may say that the vast majority of our members reach this sound outlook, and play their part in the railway team in good spirit and with pleasure in their jobs, and also with trust in their fellow railwaymen.

It was this attitude towards their work by our staff that gave rise to the remark of a recent visitor, the Hon. E. H. Angelo, M.L.C., of Perth, who represents the Northern Province of Western Australia.

Mr. Angelo was on a visit to New Zealand with his wife and daughter and, when interviewed by the “Evening Post” of Wellington, remarked: “The courtesy of the railway officials passes all understanding. They pointed out all the places of interest, and made a special effort so that we would not miss the more important spots.”

That was high praise indeed, and as it was quite spontaneous, it should give pleasure to every railwayman that so complete a tribute was paid to their courtesy by this distinguished visitor and experienced traveller.

The Department does what it can, by its monthly Magazine, by special publications such as the “Romance of the Rail” books, contour maps, “Station Name” booklets, and folders of many kinds, to keep the staff posted regarding the facts of interest in the various localities, particularly information of a historical and descriptive character that may add to the useful knowledge of New Zealanders as well as overseas visitors. But it requires that right attitude of mind, of which I have written, for such information to be turned to effective use by our staff, for the benefit of travellers, as was evidently the case during Mr. Angelo's railway trips in this country.

I desire to thank all concerned in earning the fine tribute the Hon. Mr. Angelo has been kind enough to pay the service, and trust that all other travellers on our lines may continue to receive equal consideration and assistance from the members of the railway service with whom they make contact.

General Manager.

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