ARBITRATION COURT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2186, 9 May 1908, Page 2

ARBITRATION COURT.

ENGINE .DRIVERS’ DISPUTE

Press Association. AUCKLAND, May 8. One hundred and eighty-seven firms were cited to appear at the Arbitration Court to-day as .parties to the engine drivers’ dispute. The demands of the workers stipulate for 48 hours per week; the minimunr pay for Ist class certificated stationary engine drivers £3 per week; 2nd class £2 14s per week; locomotive traction and winding engine drivers and river engineers £3 per week. The usual preference and overtime clauses are also included.

In opening the case for the union, Mr Long said the case for the engine drivers was unique. They were the only body of men that came before the Court in any -part of the Dominion that were required to hold a Government certificate. They had to pass an examination to qualify and the attitude taken up was that when a man was called upon to pass a severe examination before being qualified to take charge of an engine’within the meaning of-the Act, that man should not be .paid laborers’ wages. He should have wages according to bis skill. 'No increase of wages was asked for except in the case of the traction engine drivers. -Edward 'Hobson, employed by the Devon port Steam Ferry Coy., -said he workd 84| hours a -week and received a wage of £3 10s. He would be prepared to receive a wage of £3 for a 48 hour week. William Rowley Entwishe, another employee of the Ferry Company, said his hours varied with his work. They ran in a series of three weeks, comprising 83, 78, and 42 hours respectively. William Hamilton, an engine driver employed at the sugar works, said lie received 9s per day. His duties were to superintend 22 engines and. he did not think the pay was sufficient. The case was not concluded when the Court adjourned, till to-morrow.