THE RAILWAYMEN.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1920, Page 1

THE RAILWAYMEN.

(Per Press Association.) MR MASSE VS STATEMENT. AUCKLAND, April 23. in Lis written statement of policy to the railwaymen, the Minister of Rail ways, Mr Massey, contended that in making his recommendation, Mr Justice Stringer took into consideration the increase in the cost of living up to the date the Board commenced its sittings. Although bis report was dated February, be recommended it to take effect from January Ist., and all railwaymen have had payments made as from this latter date. The Board which the Government proposed to sot up, Mr Massey states will take into consideration the increasing cost of living from the hegining of this year till June, and would readjust the bonus accordingly, so that by what ever the cost of living had increased during the period mentioned, the men would got the benefit of it. |l Mr Massey says a review of the cost of living, and the consequent readjustment of the bonus is intended to take place every six months. “It is desirable,” said Air Massey, “that I should point out that since March, 1914, the married men in the Railway Service have received by way of bonus to compensate them for the increased cost of living, four payments of Is per day, and single men have hko wise received payments ior the -same purpose. I have already made it perfectly clear that the question of conditions and work will be considered, but while the Government has no serious objection to this being dealt with by the suggested tribunal, we think it better that such matters should be considered as between representatives of the men and the General Manager. The Government is anxious to do what is right between the State and those in | its employ, and will continue to act up to this principle.