DRIVERS' AND FIREMEN'S SOCIETY.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 927, 14 June 1877, Page 3

DRIVERS' AND FIREMEN'S SOCIETY.

The annual gathering of this society took place last evening at Radcliffe's Hotel, and was a complete success throughout. Mr Radcliffe deserves every credit for the admirable spread put upon the table, which, for arrangement and quality, could not be surpassed. About seventy sat down, the chair being occupied by Mr Allison D. Smith, locomotive superintendent, and amongst the guests of the evening was Mr W. Conyers, Superintendent Engineer for the Middle Island. Mr Dickenson occupied the vice-chair. After the usual loyal toasts had been done justice to, The Chairman gave " The Members of the House of Representatives." These gentlemen were the chosen of the people, and he believed that then- deliberations would be for the benefit of the colony as a whole. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm.

Mr Booth proposed " The Army, Navy, and Volunteers," expressing an opinion that, should the time ever arise for calling out the latter to serve, they would be found ready and willing to defend their adopted country. [Cheers.] Tlie toast was done due honor to.

Mr Blackmore rose to propose the next toast, " The health of Mr Conycrs, the Superintendent Engineer for the Middle Island, and Mr Smith, the Locomotive Superintendent." In doing this he did so with mixed feelings, as he did not know whether those gentlemen

approved of societies such as theirs. But let this be as it may, the action taken by the Society in the case of the widow of the late Mr Drury would show that their Society was founded on the basis philanthropy. If they did their duty to the public and their employers as they had done in the past, they had no need to fear. What was wanted was a closer bor d of union between the employer and the employee, and this was what he wanted to see. [Cheers.] Mr W. Conyers, who was warmly received on rising, said he would not occupy their time with a long speech. He was what the world called a man of action and not of words, he was glad to have the opportimity of meeting them that night, as he wished to make their closer acquaintance, an acquaintance which would he trusted become one pleasant to both. At present lie was not known here, but their Dunedin brethren could give him a good character. He (Mr Conyers) was a strict man, but this was not a fault. When he met a good man he treated him as a good man should be, and when he met a bad one he simply let him go. [Cheers.] However good a manager might be without good men around him he could do nothing. In working the Canterbury railways he depended greatly on the staff. To them he looked to carry out the work, and without their co-operation he could do nothing. He wished to impress upon the engine drivers more particularly the responsibilities attaching to their position, which was one of the most important in the service. He was glad to meet them there that evening, and hoped that he should do so on another occasion. [Cheers.] All he had to say to them was, that if they did their duty by liim, he would do his duty to them. [Cheers.] Mr Smith said that he had come amongst them as a stranger, and the reception he had met with that evening had been such as he hardly expected to have received. In all cases where changes were made there was sure to be jealousy, but he could say that these charges had been made after much thought, and with a view to the efficiency of the service. His idea was that they should pay the best wages, and thus secure the best men ; in fact, the motto witli him would he efficiency first and economy afterwards, [Hear, hear.] The men on the railway must be efficient, and unless this was secured they would be simply wasting their money. [Hear, hear.] He could assure them thatfhc should always endeavour to do Ins duty, and he felt sure as soon as they became acquainted with him they would be good friends. [Cheers.] He had intended to say a great deal more, but he would not detain them longer than to express a hope that in the future they would, as engaged in the'same'duties, become better acquainted. [Cheers.] Mr Blackmore, by permission of the Chairman, gave a history of the formation of the society, which he explained was started for the purpose of protecting their members in case of accident, and for the succouring of the widows and children of their members in case of any fatal accident occurring. The aim of the 'society was also to instruct the engine drivers in the duties of their profession, and to give them advice as to what to do in case of any mishaps on the road. Mr Hobson proposed the health of Mr Dickenson, the locomotive foreman, expressing the high sense of the many good qualities of that gentleman entertained by his fellow employees, who had done a large amount of good in relieving distress and providing the members with the means of self-help in times of need. In a very eloquent speech he urged the claims of the society upon the railway employees. The toast was drunk amid loud cheers. Mr Dickenson returned thanks in a neat speech. Mr Francis next proposed " Success to the New Zealand Drivers' and Firemen's United Benefit Societies." The society was one generally beneficial, and he expressed a hope that every one who was not now would soon become a member.

Mr Asliton, the secretary of the society, responded, and, in the course of his remarks, said that they had some £2OO to their credit, and generally the society was in a most nourishing condition, despite the calls made upon it. The other toasts proposed were, " The Staff of the Permanent Ways," coupled with the name of Mr Kniglit; " The Railway Servants' Mutual Benefit Society," "The Drivers and Firemen of Great Britain," "The late Assistant Traffic Manager, MiFrancis," "The Dinner Committee," &c. During the evening some excellent songs were sung, and generally the whole proceedings were very successful. To this the efforts of the dinner committee in no small degree contributed.