LOCOMOTIVE MEN.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16424, 18 January 1919, Page 8

LOCOMOTIVE MEN.

MINISTER'S LATEST PROPOSALS.

(press association TELEGRAM.) "WELLINGTON, January 17. The following letter has been sent by the Hon. W. H. Herrias to Mr McArley, secretary of the Locomotive Enginedrivers', Firemen's, and Cleaners' Association: — "With reference to the correspondence that has passed between your society and myself, and tho representations mndo on behalf of increased pay and improved conditions for members of the locomotive running branch, I havo the honour to Temind you that, as repeatedly intimated in tho House, and personally intimated to yourself and Mr Henderson in several interviews, especially one on ! tho 3rd ultima, when you and Mr Henderson formed a deputation in company with members of Parliament, I will bo prepared early next month'to \ meet the executives of the three rail- " way societies, with a viow to coming to an understanding as to any alterations in the schedule that mav be thought necessary, and also to discuss proposals respecting conditions of employment that may bo brought forward. "Tho othor 6ocioties affected hare suggested improvements in tho pay and conditions of their members tnat diffor radically from those advnncod by your association, and the effoct of the whole of the representations must bo considered together before a decision which will affect all members of the servico can bo arrived at. The requests that have been put forward involve a considerable increase in tho expenditure of tho Department, and this aspect will also require careful consideration before any decision is finally arrived at. "After the proposals have boon fully discussed and considered, T propose to draft an amended schedule to the Government Railways Act, , which, if approved by Cabinet and Parliament, may bo made to operate as from April Ist of this year. I hope to bo in a position to meet your executive and discuss matters, so far as your iiFSociation is concerned, about tho 12th proximo, immediately after tho business of your conference has been disposed of." SECRETARY'S REPLY. The' secretary of the Association (Mr McArley) says it is hoped that some indication will bo given by tho Minister as to tho direction his proposals will tako towards removing the men's grievances, especially with. regard to tho hours of work, etc., before delegates tako any action with regard to the secret ballot, which is domanded by various branches. However, tho Minister's statement will do much towards relieving the feelings of the most militant members. H© adds, that owing to the recent attitude taken up by mem* bers, it will now bo quite impossible for the executive council to accept or refuse any proposals made by the Minister. They will require to be ratified by the members before being accepted or rojected. The council, wnile studi- / ously avoiding anything which will dislocate industries in New Zealand, will urge upon the Government the necessity of improving tho lot of the locomotive men in New Zealand. RAILWAY OFFICERS' INSTITUTE. SUPERANNUATION PROPOSALS. (fress association telegrav.) DUNEDIN, January 17. Tho Railwny Officers' Institute discussed. tho report of a sub-committee regarding the proposed classification and the superannuation amendments. The proposals include increases in tha allowance for widows of members and; a reciprocal arrangement between tho V various Government superannuation h funds and the National t Provident Fund. This will, if carried into effect, vastly improve the conditions and prospects of .the members of the servico. The sub-committeo's proposals were adopted.