RETRENCHMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1921, Page 2

RETRENCHMENT.

the rau.waymkn. f„v TW.KUUArH-I'EH MESS ASSOCIATIONJ CHIUSTCHI'RCH, Nov. 22. \ prominent Christchurch ''.cmt.cr of ,A q I! S stilted this afternoon that im did not consider the m the railway,nen's pay referred to h men,hers of the Association, hut i. the, to the Engineers’ Kiremen’s and Cleaners’ Association. He stated that a mem Per of the Executive, address,n{r the iquarterlv meeting on Sunday, made it clear that there had lieen an understanding that there would he no cut. \ deputation had met the Prune Aim ister the Minister of Railways, and the llailwav Committee of the House, and they had suggested certain economics that would reduce the Departmental expenditure by £1,500,0*0 ? vear partly by reducing the army o] clerks and' others ; hut they had mailt it clear that they would not hear of any retrenchment. This deputatioi had been asked to return in « fortnight's time, hut it was nnderstooi that the question of wages would not he raised, hut rather that the points for discussion would lie the retirement of men who were eligible for retirement. He considered that Mr McVilly’s remarks were intended as a “feeler” ir 1 respect to the E.I’.C.A. and even then he understood, a proposal was afoot that instead of any cut iu wages, the men should work longer hours. , WEI. I.IXO TON. Nov. 22. Tim A.S.R.S. received a letter fron the General Manager of Railways a few weeks ago. stating that he desired t<: discuss with its executive the* genera position of railway finances. It transpires that the A.S.R.S. executive met this month, when it was reported by the President and Secretary that they had intimated to the General Alanage, they were not prepared to discuss tht general financial position. Their actio, was approved. The A.S.R.S. Journn states that the men voluntarily offered to forego increases in wages when war broke out if the cost of living was kept down.' hut when it rose they wore fore, od 'to agitate for increases, tliougl they never kept pace with the rising costs. They were the last to get over a small contribution towards the higl cost of living, and now when they arc asked to he first to make the sacrifice they are resenting the suggestion. NEW If AIRWAY CITT. HINTED BY MR McYILT.Y. CHRISTCHURCH. Niov. 22. A hint of a further cut in the railway- service is.contained in a letter received from Air J. AlcA illy, General Manager of Railways, by the Organise, of the Canterbury Progress League, a; follows: “With reference to your lettei of November IStli, regarding the dura tiou of the present curtailed train service, it is difficult to forecast how long it, will bo necessary to lighten the service. Unfortunately a decline in tin traffic still continues, and the tendency appears to be in Ihe direction of al further falling off. No alteration will Ik made until the Christmas holiday season, in any case, and if business deep not improve after them, it is quite possible that serious consideration will require to be given to a further curtailment. Up to date, the South Island main lines show a deficit of over £ll.000 as between revenue and working expenses, without taking - interest charges into consideration at all. In these circumstances, you will appro cinte the difficulty with which the Department is confronted in the matter of making both ends meet.”