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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 6 (October 1, 1927)

Editorial. — Opportunity

page 2

Editorial.
Opportunity.

When Shakespeare spoke of the tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune, his breadth of vision enabled him to put into one crisp sentence a fact which applies with equal effect to both personal and business development. It includes the whole wide field covered by that most magic of words -opportunity.

The system of business management now obtaining upon our Railways has put opportunities in the way of railwaymen they never had before, and lent to operations a healthy competitive interest they previously lacked. Every progressive employee is given ample scope to express his individuality and is encouraged to do, to his maximum capacity, the “work for which he draws the wage.” This system also gives him a personal interest in the general progress of the Department, for it shows, by that best of all tests-financial results-how well the work in general is carried on, and to what extent the Railways can hold their own under the onslaughts of competition.

The men of the Railways have chances to show their worth in ways innumerable, and-combining efficiency with enterprise (the two mainsprings of successful business development)-they are, in a double sense, giving the public of New Zealand “a good run for their money.”

The following points tell strongly in the realm of business-building and are receiving increased attention from the majority of our staff.

Every train operator, whether he be porter, guard, attendant, fireman, driver, stationmaster, or train running officer, knows that one certain way to please the public is to ensure the punctuality of trains. So constant attention is paid to this side of the work. Delays are analysed, not to find fault, but to discover remedies; new methods are thought out for speeding the work at stopping places; and new mechanical devices are introduced to further assist in the work of giving better service.

Then courtesy is being constantly extended as its value becomes increasingly recognised. This is a term which includes an infinity of little attentins. A pleased and pleasing inflexion of the voice, a smile at the right time and in the right way, helpful suggestions, and courteous consideration-all those attentions, that is, which can in any way add to the convenience and comfort of travellers and freighters-are included in the courtesy it is our aim to give. The attitude of the host towards the invited guest in such a home as friends delight to visit is akin to that of the railwayman who values his opportunities, in relation to those members of the public who require his services.

Another opportunity-making point consists of taking a lively interest in the whole undertaking, and thus keeping in close touch with the requirements of general travellers and the business community. The railwayman who maintains a personal interest in the Department's welfare carries the railway idea whereever he goes; has such faith in the Railways that he misses no opportunity to talk about the advantages which they have to offer; creates, by his irrepressible enthusiasm, a desire for railway travel amongst page 3 those with whom he associates in private life; is deeply interested in the history, and intrigued by the problems, of transport; and, because of his intense interest in his job, becomes, in the course of association with his friends, a producer of business for the Railways.

So far as personal opportunities are concerned, the Service supplies them. If any member of the staff has a bright idea there is the Suggestions and Inventions Committee specially appointed to handle it, and to pay good money for it if the idea has any commercial value. If he wants a change of job or promotion he can apply for any advertised position, and if most suitable for it, the position becomes his.

Every foreman and manager is looking for the bright men on his staff to give them opportunities for higher grade work; and every individual who has capacity, industry, initiative, and courage, is given a wide-open chance to progress in the service right up to a point which is only limited by the degree in which he possesses and exercises these qualities.

Optimistic Outlook.

Mr. E. Casey, Divisional Superintendent of the North Island, during a recent visit to Wellington spoke optimistically regarding the prospects of business in the North this season. In Hawke's Bay he said, “There is already as much wool on the sheep as there was at shearing time last year.” The benefits of the heavy fertilizing programme carried out in all farming districts (to which the reduced railway freight rates contributed) gives promise of a record season in general production. Butter prices, upon which the North Island depends so greatly, are on the mend, and from information available the season should once more see really high prices realised on the London market. “Peak prices multiplied by peak production,” said Mr. Casey, “promise this year to set the Railways a limit task in transportation, and we are now preparing for the busy and prosperous times ahead.” As Mr. Casey's superintendence entails considerable travel in all parts of the North Island and puts him in close touch with all producing and manufacturing interests, the above estimate of developments in the near future, besides being cheering, has every prospect of proving well founded and accurate.

Scholars' Holidays.
How the Railways Help.

“Know your New Zealand!” That phrase might well be adopted among educationists as a slogan, for nothing is more likely to make New Zealanders ardent patriots than opportunity to know their own country by personal contact with her many scenic attractions, natural wonders, and pleasure and health resorts.

These remarks are prompted by a letter received from Mr. H. I. Sinclair, one of the masters at the Boys' High School, Christchurch, who took a large party of scholars up to Arthur's Pass recently, and to whom the District Engineer at Christchurch (Mr. J. McNair) granted the occupation of one of the Railway houses for their stay.

Mr. Sinclair's letter runs:—

On behalf of my boys and on my own account, I wish to thank yourself, Mr. Guiness and other Railway officials concerned for the extreme courtesy shown and the wonderful attention given to us to make our sojourn at Arthur's Pass successful. I must say that but for your kindliness in going to so much trouble for us my task in caring for my boys would have been rather difficult. All arrangements were carried out without a hitch and all had a most enjoyable time. I trust that there have been no complaints lodged against us.

The weather was well-nigh perfect and we made the most of our opportunities by making tours of some description every day with the result that without exception the lads want to go back to the mountains again.

I do think that the glorious playground we have in the region of Arthur's Pass should be made more widely known to Secondary School children because a wonderful education awaits them there, and for that reason I would suggest that the possibility of Secondary School parties using the “stopover” fare should be more widely advertised.

I feel that it is through your and the others' efforts that our trip was so successful. Thanking you once again, and wishing the Railway Department every success, —I remain,

Yours sincerely


(Sgd.)(Sg.D)

H.I.Sinclair.

[Mr. Sinclair's suggestion that fuller publicity be given to railway holiday opportunities for secondary schools is a good one, and plans are already in shape for making sure that every school in the Dominion knows all about the various concessions which the railway has to offer them in the way of annual school excursions, stop-over fares for other pleasure trips, and the new vacation ticket concession.-Ed., N. Z. R. M.]