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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 13, Issue 8 (November 1, 1938)

Railway Progress In New Zealand — General Manager's Message. — Refresher Courses

page 8

Railway Progress In New Zealand
General Manager's Message.
Refresher Courses

Following on the first Departmental Refresher Course held at Railway Head-quarters last year, members of the inspectorial staff for the whole of New Zealand assembled in Wellington last week to attend the second of these courses, which it is proposed to hold each year.

The courses are presided over by the Signal and Electrical Engineer, who has associated with him the Chief Signal Inspector and the Signal Instructors. The meetings are attended by members of the Traffic, Locomotive and Signalling staffs responsible for the supervision of the men engaged in traffic and locomotive operation where the proper functioning of, and obedience to signals, and the interpretation of rules and regulations governing their operation is one of the most important duties of those associated with the movement of trains.

This method of instruction is a matter of first importance to-day because of the modern developments that have recently taken place in regard to signalling, such as the introduction of centralised traffic control—the first of its kind outside of England—the operation of electric multiple-units by means of automatic points at crossing places, and the installation of modified automatic signalling. With these and other extensions of up-to-date railroading equipment incorporated in the system from time to time, refresher courses ensure standardisation in the method of operation and in the interpretation of the rules and regulations set down for the guidance of the operating staff.

Those present are also addressed by the Locomotive Superintendent and the Transportation Superintendent on matters affecting their respective Branches.

As General Manager, I also take the opportunity to address the Conference and to point out to the assembled officers the more important aspects of the work that confronts the management, and other details that matter a great deal from the point of view of the travelling public and clients of the Department generally.

Much of the advantage derived from these refresher courses would be lost unless it extended beyond those taking part in the Conference itself, and it is hoped that the men on the road who make personal contact with the members of the inspectorial staff after they return to their respective districts will benefit from the knowledge and experience transmitted by those who attend the courses. More particularly should the knowledge so gained be helpful to the younger members of the Service, by whom the inspectorial staff should be regarded not only as teachers but as friends anxious to impart a wealth of knowledge gained by years of experience and study.

The whole idea behind the refresher courses is to pass on knowledge of the standards of operation required, so that everybody concerned will be better equipped to do their job, and thus become more efficient railwaymen, with favourable results both to the public and to the Department.

General Manager.