THE RAILWAYMEN.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1920, Page 2

THE RAILWAYMEN.

THE PREMIER’S REPLY. (Her Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 22. The Prime Minister, in a letter"’ to the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants’ gives a reply to their representations at their recent interview regarding remuneration. Mr Massey says: “The matter has carefully been considered, and it is proposed by the Government to take the course indicated by him (Mr Massey). The present scale of remuneration, based on the recent report of Justice Stringer, and’commencing as from January 1, will'continue in operation until June Ist next.

“A new commission,” the Minister states, “will then be constituted to enquire as to whether there has been any increase in the cost of living, and to report what bonus, if any, should be granted in respect to that increase, in addition to the present remuneration. “The report of that Commission,” Mr Massey goes on, “is to take effect on June Ist, and to remain in operation for six months. Thereafter the railway, men’s remuneration will be subject to review by a New Commission, with reference to the then cost of living, and so on from time to time as the Government may determine, until, and unless, Parliament otherwise provides.” The Commsision proposed' is to consist of two Stipendiary Magistrates assisted by an Advisory Assessor, nominated by the three railway Societies representing the railway staffs, and another Assessor nominated by the Department. The societies’ assessors must Ire members of t-he Railway Service. Letters similar to the above have been sent to the other two Railway organisations. Details of the other requests will be matters of Departmental arrangement. The Government asks for early nominations so that the Commission may sit in the first week in June.

THE MEN’S VIEW. The Amalgamated Society Railway Servants Secretary says the Conference has proved abortive. The Government has not regarded the men’s representations seriously. He considers that the climax is at hand. He adds:; —“I feel sure that the men will never accept the commission proposed. We will not again be placed in a false position with regard to assessors and a restricted order of reference. So far as wages are concerned the Minister has admitted that the men are entitled be placed in the same relative position that they were before the war. He admits that the increased cost of living is 62 per cent. We are prepared to accept that as. a basis of settlement, to far as wages are concerned; but the working conditions must be improved. I am lodging with the Minister a legal claim, under the Labour Dispute Investigation Act. The Prime Minister’s own act designed for the settlement of such dispute.” He says he hopes the men will not meantime take drastic action.

WHAT A.S.R.S. SECRETARY SAYS. WELLINGTON, April 22. The Secretary of the A.S.R.S. (Mr Mack) when asked his opinion on the reply of Mr Massey as Minister of Railways, said that the Government were merely trifling with the whole position. Men had been going from the service and were still going. The service was in a deplorable condition. He didn’t know how the men would take the reply. The storm, he said, might burst at anj time. NOTICE FOR ENQUIRY. WELLINGTON, April 22. The A.S.R.S. has filed with the Minister cf Railway’s notice of a dispute with the management of the service under the Labour Disputes Investigation Act, and the intention is to demand an investigation of the dispute by a Committee of Representatives of the two parties to the dispute. In their demands the A.S.R.S. are asking for an all round increase of 2s 6d per day.