RAILWAY REFORMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1919, Page 1

RAILWAY REFORMS.

THE COST ASCERTAINED. | TER PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.] WELLINGTON, March 25. A reporter was informed to-day that the Railways Management has for some time been considering the rates of pay of the railway service, and has now ar-' rived at an estimate of the increased cost of • the various items included in the programme of improved pay and conditions put forward by the different Railway Unions. Therefore, in accordance with a promise given by the Minister he has invited the Committee of the Railway Officers’ Institute to meet him in conference for the purpose of finally discussing the revised schedule of pay and conditions as they affect the members of the first division. This interview will take place to-mor-row. On Thursday the Management will meet in conference the Executive of the Amalgamated Society of Railway IServants and discuss the rates of pay and conditions affecting the second division.

At tile termination of these conferences the Minister will submit to the Executive of the Railway Officers’ Institute, the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, and the Engine Drivers’, Firemen’is, and Cleaners’ Association, a schedule setting forth the alterations in pay and conditions which lie is prepared to submit to Cabinet. After the schedule lias been considered and endorsed by the Cabinet it will he required to he embodied in an Act, and submitted to the House for the approval of Parliament. The new schedule will be submitted by the Minister to all the three Societies on or before tbo 31st March, and when approved bv Parliament will be operative as from the Ist. April, 1919.