RAILWAYMEN'S WAGES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2701, 22 February 1916, Page 7

RAILWAYMEN'S WAGES

'ATTITUDE OF AUCKLAND. 'Mi lak-g/iiun I''-"-- '-...emu..ll.i Auckland, February 21. On inquiry being made locally this morning, it was learnt that the motions passed m Wellington yesterday at the headquarters of the Amalgamated Society of-Railway Servants are regarded by Auckland members as of the utmost importance. For a week past branches throughout the Dominion have held meetings to consider the refusal of the Minister of Railways to grant the desired increase in pay, and in every case motions of protest have been carried. Still, the attitude of the central branch has been awaited with particular interest, and it is thought locally that'the urgent demand made by Wellington, that the society's claims should be acceded to. may. precipitate a crisis. Although tlie Auckland branch has joined the society in its demand for a i?s. per man. per day increase in pay, a meeting has not yet been held to deal with the Minister's refusal to make the increase desired. It is probable that a meeting will be called during the present week. Auckland has a larger membership than any A.5.R.6. organisation in the Dominion. Between Auckland and Tuakau in the south, and Auckland and Henderson in the north there are employed no fewer than 800 guardsj porters, shunterS; ;'goods-shed/hands, and platelayers,' who" are members' of the sooiety. There are some members of the Engine-drivers', Firemen's, and Cleaners' Association ivho are also members of the society. DEMAND FOR 2s. A DAY MORE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dannevlrke, February 21. The Dannevirke branch of the Amalgamated" Society of Railway Servants unanimously supported the Timaru resolution, asking the Government to take immediate steps to cope with the cost of living, else nothing Jess than a 2s. a day increase be demanded. Wanganui, February 21. A . special .general meeting of the Amalgamated Railway Society was- addressed by the president, when the. following motion was carried: "That, in the event of the Government refusing to increase the pay, the Executive Council immediately convene a meeting of the Wellington branch representatives, wlio will act in accordance with instructions

received from their respective branches; such instructions to be given at a special meeting of the various branches." •

The Maetertori branoh of the A.S.R.S. has unanimously supported the resolutions of the Palmerston and Oamaru branohes, demanding an increase of 2s. per day in the pay of railwayman in receipt of under lis. per day in wages, and Is. per day for men in receipt of over that amount. It has been further decided to request ■ the_ Executive Council to take- drastic action in tlio ovent of the demand not being conceded. The Masterton branch, however, disagrees with the proposal of Palmerston that the increase be made Rood by an in the tariff on dairy produce, as it is considered that this would mean passing the charge back to the consumer.