THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1367, 19 February 1912, Page 4

THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

CONFERENCE AT CHRISTCHURCH. IBr Telocraph.—Prow Association.! Christchurch, February 18. Tho third conference of the Now Zealand Locomotive Engine Drivers', Firemen, and Cleaners' Association concluded its sittings on Saturday. Tho following report has been supplied by Mr. M'Arley • general secretary:— "Resolutions were carried, asking tho Government to pay locomotive nieu (lie Kimc wages as are paid in Australia, It was pointed out during discussion that cleaners' wages had not increased in the minimum since the time of the commissioners. A groat' amount of feeling was expressed in regard to tho wages paid to drivers and firemen, and it was pointed out that their wages hud been increased only by 6d. over the rates paid during the period the railways were controlled by commissioners. At the same time, it was generally conceded some of the conditions had been.improved, whilst others had been curtailed. Allowance of standing time and time for preparing engines and putting them away had been decreased since, the time of tbo commissioners. It was contended that a genuine grievance existed in regard to the treatment meted out to New Zealand locomotive men as compared with Australian locomotive men, despite the statements to the contrary. It was resolved that stops be taken to bring the grievances of tho engine drivers, firemen, and cleaners prominently before Parliament and the public if .the Government of the day will not recognise the claims of the association for equitable treatment. The conference expressed the opinion that the prosent Minister for Railways had done all in his power to ensuro better treatment of locomotive men. It was further resolved to nsk the management to allow the men to come to somo agreement with the management regarding wages and conditions of labour, in the sarao way as is clone by outside unions and employers, any agreement arrived at to be binding on both parties." Tho delegates to tho conference wore entertained at a social gathering on Saturdav night by members of the Canterbury' Branch Association. Mr. G. Brown (ex-president) stated that tho membership was now between thirteen and fifteen hundred, a growth in three years that was something to bo proud of. In Australia, engine drivers wages had recently been increased to 165., which, compared with l'Js. Gd. paid in New Zealand, showed that New Zealand locomotive men wero badly treated. He hoped the New Zealand Association would bo able to secure for drivers the same rates as wore ruling in Australia. . There would be probably a change of Government Thev did not know what lhat would mean, but hoped it would not mean a setback to locomotive men. Ho wanted to see the railway men advance, and didn't see why they should not. During the evening representatives of the Olncers' Institute and tho Amalgamated Society spoke, congratulating tho association on the success attained. Speakers on behalf of the association advocated separate unions in the railway service, and a federation of all. This met with the approval of the representatives of tho other branches of the service present. Mr. S. Kcnnedv (president of the association), oil behalf of the members of all its branches throughout the Dominion, presented Mr. Geo. Brown with a gold watch, and a necklet for Mrs. Brown, and also presented Mr. W. M'Arley (tho general secretary of the association) with a gold watch and travelling-bag and a set of brushes, and a mirror for Mfs. M'Arley. In making the presentation, Mr. Kennedy said the subscriptions Had been spontaneously given from one elui of tho Dominion to' the other, in recognition of the valuable services rendered by Messrs. Brown and M'Arley in the formation of tho association.