Suggestions and Inventions.

The establishment of the Suggestions and Inventions Committee, in June, 1925, was a notable step forward in the history of the railways. Since the establishment of the committee more than 4,000 suggestions have been sent forward by members of the staff and public, and many of these suggestions have been adopted for the general betterment of the service. Encouraged by the knowledge that their ideas would receive the full consideration of a committee of experts, the railway staff throughout New Zealand has submitted suggestions freely, and suggestions are coming in from the public in ever-increasing numbers.

The following is a review of the work of the committee up to 11th September, 1928:—Number of suggestions received, 4,172; number recommended for adoption, 362; commendations, 274; monetary awards, 80; aggregate sum paid out, £634 7s.

With a view to facilitating the preparation and despatch of suggestions, the committee recently decided to have suitably printed forms prepared on which the suggester's idea may be readily outlined. The cards, when completed, will be deposited in special “Suggestion Boxes” which are to be provided for use at the principal stations and workshops.