RAILWAY CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1983, 13 February 1914, Page 8

RAILWAY CONFERENCE.

;. (By Telegraph.—Prise :'Association.} Christchurch, February 12: , J The conference' of ■ members 'of the Locomotive Engine Drivers', Firemen, , and Cleaners' Association resumed today. A number of anomalous rules in the railway regulations were discussed, and'tho grand council expressed itself as being solid in its determination to . arrest tho irritation and friction engendered by impracticable- rules. The question of registering the association under the Industrial Conciliation and' Arbitration Act was mooted, but no ;official' discussion, took plaSe. The contracts entered into with tho Department aro expected to be fulfilled before fresh negotiations are proceeded with. ■The work of the executiyo council for the years 1012-14 was reviewed, and tho following resolutioivwas'carried: "That the executive council has been alert to its obligations, and has ably discharged the manifold duties devolving upon it." 'Additional rules were added to the con T stitution of the executive council extending its sphere of activity to" meet increased requirements. The grand council recommended that the grounds of. appeal in cases of punishment should be made- more accessible-'to members in order to admit closer investigation of fines for alleged errors. It_ was_ also recommended that tho. designation of jnpmber.s approaching promotion should be more clearly defined in D 3 list. Thecouncil also discussed tho construction and dimensions of railway houses _as supplied to certain members of Division 2.- The centre room, bathroom, and scullery are so diminutive that they become untenable, and it was decided to ask'that.these rooms beenlarged.