Making for Efficiency.

The Leader of the Labour Party (Mr. H. E. Holland) said that the railwaymen of New Zeal-land were engaged in a great social service, since the work of production and distribution depended in the end upon the work of transportation. The service itself, therefore, owed it to the employees that they should be made to feel that the whole of life was not simply to work, but to work and get as much joy and pleasure out of life as possible. He was confident that enjoyment of those amenities would make for greater efficiency in the service the men rendered the community. To-day it was recognised that the best workers were those whose lives were filled with pleasure and who were made to feel that life was worth living.

The General Manager of Railways (Mr. H. H. Sterling) said he believed that it was worth while for an employer to take an interest in his staff outside the hours of work. He had always believed in this, not only from altruistic and humanitarian motives, but because he believed it paid any employer to see that his staff were made happy in their employment. A happy staff meant better work and less strain for the worker. In addition, it led to common understanding—a factor which would prevent difficulties from arising. As facilities for that contact developed, so would grow smooth working in the railways, for the betterment of all concerned.

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