LOCOMOTIVE MEN

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16422, 16 January 1919, Page 6

LOCOMOTIVE MEN

DRASTIC ACTION THREATENED. (press association telegram.) WELLINGTON, January 15. The loco, men refuse to accopt the position taken up by the Minister, and the secretary, Mr McArlev, has issued a further statement declaring that no official information has been conveyed to tho Association as to when the Minister is prepared to meet it in conference and discuss grievances, auii that tho newspaper announcement io that effect was the iirst that hud reached tho Association. Some announcement had been made to members of Parliament that the Minister would go into the loco, men's grievances alter Christmas, but nothing has come to the organisation in an oiiiciaJ way so that it could be convoyed to members. "In any case," the secretary states, ."tho Executive Council will not discuss grievances any further with him. and unless lie is prepared to say within a short time what lie is going to do members will make the next move." Further discussion_ at this juncture, "states Mr McArley, is looked upon by members of tho Association as a mere waste of time. "In 1911 we discussed these same matters with liini and petitioned Parliament and got a favourable hearing, but 110 reforms have taken place. AVo havo met the Minister on many occasions since, and each time we receive the same stock roply, which, if it is not wearisome for tho .Minister to repeat, is wearisome for the delegates to listen to. We have gone back to our members always since V.)] 1 with the same tale, and can you wonder at tho 'kick over tho traces?' The last time we met the Minister was prior to tho last session of Parliament, and lie asked us to discuss matters with him. apparently with no view of doing anything but to perform tho usual incantation. The delegates told him then that they had come to the conclusion that it was merely a waste of timo discussing their grievances with him. 1 can show you letters for tho last six years with the same old replies."

The statement adds: "It is a significant fact that the men have bpen assured bv a more militant organisation than tho Locomotive Association that if the Government tries to deprive them of their rights, they will step into tlie breach. The Executive Council are tired of begging almost on their knees, as the men, in turn, no longer desiro that the Conciliation Council or Arbitration Court should settle the dispute. The Minister has had since. 1913 to consider the petition: sent to him by the Railways Committee. and if he renuires an extension on that time, members are not prepared to grant it, nnd will possibly give him* as manv hours to fix up their troubles as he has been allowed years to consider them."