New Ideas in Management
General Manager Confers with Officers at Wellington
Prime Minister Attends

The Conference of Officers called by the General Manager, Mr. H. H. Sterling, last month, promises to initiate a valuable advance towards co-ordinating the work of the Department in all its branches. There was a full attendance of heads of branches as well as both Island Divisional Superintendents.

In opening the conference, Mr. Sterling said that he wanted the meeting to be informal and desired everyone to express his thoughts freely. The purpose of their meeting was to effect an exchange of ideas—to be, in fact, a “korero” upon matters of mutual interest.

He intended that these conferences should take place four-weekly. In regard to procedure, Mr. Sterling went on to explain that he would expect reports upon their work from officers—not mere formal progress statements, but notes roughed-out from their daily experience, upon matters of interest occurring during the previous period, and drawing attention to any financial or other difficulties met with. Officers need not, however, spend much time in preparing these notes. They could be dictated to a stenographer and then handed over to the Chief Clerk, who would assemble the notes and supply complete copies to everyone concerned. The meetings would be held each Friday following the end of the period, the notes to be handed in on the previous Tuesday. Summaries could be in the hands of all officers before Thursday, and this would give everyone a chance to think over the matters included in the summarised notes.

He wished all to look over the statements and crystallise their ideas before coming to the meetings, in order that with a minimum of time they might secure a maximum of results; and here he wanted to tell them that all idea that they might be interfering with the business of another branch should be eliminated, and that whatever proposals might be suggested by anyone should be accepted by the branch concerned as offered in a helpful and constructive spirit.

Mr. Sterling asked members to have mutual faith in one another's bona fides. This absolute confidence was essential to progress. It was the most important principle of business organisation, and was, in fact, being operated in every big successful business to-day. He had felt the benefit of it during his association with the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited.

“I know,” continued Mr. Sterling, “there is a tendency for departments to become insular; but I must remind you that anything of this sort is merely clogging the wheels of co-ordination. Knowing the traditions of the service, its departmental construction, and the frailty of human nature, it was inevitable for the feeling to develop that ‘this is my cabbage patch.’ Now, I want all that swept away, and each to join up in ‘having a go’ at the common problem.” Mr. Sterling went on to remind them that lookers-on see most of the game, and while there were definite specialised branches such as the Professional, the Traffic, and the Technical, their general knowledge as railwaymen should be helpful to all. “Everyone,” said Mr. Sterling, “knows a good pudding, though he may not be able to make one.” (Laughter.) He did not claim to know everything about the railways himself, but he felt sure that if their combined knowledge were pooled all would be helped along.

After certain detailed matters had been dealt with, the Prime Minister and Minister of Railways (Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) attended the conference.

Mr. Sterling, in greeting the Prime Minister, said that he and his officers were pleased to be honoured with his visit. Mr. Sterling gave particulars of what had been arranged, and said that the idea of a general conference had met with the concurrence of the officers. He explained that they wanted to get concentrated effort on every problem—to get the whole weight of their accumulated railway knowledge. He himself felt that such conferences tended to break down artificial barriers and help officers in carrying out their various functions. They would have a friendly, helpful exchange of ideas on those subjects that were most exercising their minds. He said further that if Mr. Coates could spare half-an-hour to honour them with his presence at future conferences they would be pleased.

Mr. Coates: “Mr. Sterling and gentlemen, I have nothing to say in regard to the ideas and methods proposed so far as the Government and page 9 myself are concerned. Mr. Sterling has discussed very fully with me the nuclei of all policy matters, and there is no difference of opinion regarding the general policy to be followed. I hope that officers of the Department will realise that the Government is in the frame of mind to stand behind them in their efforts to make the best of a difficult situation, and I assure you that you will be the last to be called to account should your efforts fail.”

Mr. Coates went on to assure them that team-work would enable them to give the best service and meet the general requirements of the public. The conferences would enable them to establish a unanimity of opinion which was most important. He assured them that he had confidence in Mr. Sterling, in the Department, and in the men selected to carry on the work. Against extraordinary difficulties they had done remarkably well. “In any case, no one outside the Department,” said Mr. Coates, “can point to any errors that have been made.”

Mr. Sterling has taken the right course in calling the officers together and discussing their problems. “Since this team-work has been carried on it is percolating right down through the service. Of this I am certain—if success cannot be got this way, it would be impossible to obtain it in any way, and I again assure you of the hearty co-operation of the Government and myself—there will be no ‘sprogging’ of efforts.” He went on to say that the Government would start off with full confidence in the railway management. They had had it in the

Farmers from Taranaki Visit the Waikato Winter Show.
(Photo J. F. Lowden)
The special Farmers’ Train run from Hawera in connection with the Waikato Winter Show at Hamilton was a great success, approximately 300 farmers from Taranaki travelling by the train.

past, and they were going to have it in the future. He was pleased to feel the interest that was being taken by officers of the Department in the progress of the Department's affairs. He himself kept in close touch with what was being done, and when criticism occurred he liked to reply to it on the spot. Very frequently it arose from those who had not their information at first hand. This gave an opportunity to deal with criticism effectively. “We cannot,” said Mr. Coates, “get past all the pit-falls, but we can take reasonable steps to avoid most of them. I know that you cannot do more.”

Referring to Mr. Sterling, Mr. Coates said that he wished him all success as General Manager. He asked that the men round him should have complete confidence in the management, and he extended thanks for the way in which the men of the service had rallied round the Department during its time of difficulty. Mr. Coates emphasised once again the fact that the service could rely upon 100 per cent. support and confidence from the Government.

In replying, Mr. Sterling expressed the thanks of the conference for the Minister's kind remarks, and wished, also, to thank him for his expression of confidence. He himself was proud to be associated with the officers of the Department, and he expected the best results. He esteemed the Prime Minister's confidence in his ability, and would do his best to see that that confidence, so happily expressed that morning, was not in any way misplaced.