LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1926, Page 4

LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS

REPORTS OF UNBEARABLE CONDITIONS AT GREYMOUTI!

The current number of the “New Zealand Locomtive Engineers’ Journal’’ contains startling statements by a Greymouth correspondent, who says: “At the monthly meeting, held on July- llth., tin members unanimously demanded that immediate action be taken to improve the unbearable conditions existing. All hands are seething with discontent here, and wish the Department to understand that they are not going to put up with it much longer. 'The demands include the immediate abolition of the use of a certain coal, and it is stated that grave trouble may be expected from the fire men if the demand is not conceded. Fresh tonnage records are being established every week with a very poor class cf old worn-out locomotives. Owing to the heavy traffic being handled and the shortage of engines, repairs are imnossible. This state of affaiis cannot go on much longer. Something is going to happen sooner or later with disastrous effects. This state of affairs, coupled with the inferior coal, makes our lot unbearable. Obsolete engines and appliances and heavy loads vorv often imbrakcd, constitute a real menace to public safety, and a nervebreaking strain on the engine crew. j;> 10 ‘W.D.’ engines on this section in particular are long overdue for scrapping. and are unsafe for train pulling.

“A new depot is badly wanted. Tic liavc been fooled with promises of : new depot for years, and nothing has been done yet. Tbe traffic has increased out of all knowledge. Consequently more engines arc stationed hole. Since the tunnel opened, twelve tender engines and four tank engines have been added, and the shod will accommodate about fourteen out of twentyseven engines. At Greymouth the men are protesting against the filthy condition of the engines. The cleaning staff numbers five, one of whom is constantly employed looking alter fires. Some of the others often have to fill coal tubs at night, when trains are running late and arriving after the coal man has hooked off. More cleaners arc urgently needed. The rails on the pits arc braced with cross-bars which are dangerous, causing men to hump their heads against them. Owing to the curve in the pits, adjusting wedges and brasses is imnossible. Sand is taken per bucket from a bin inside the shed. The lockers are over-run with vermin, and the whole shed is in an insanitary condition.

“Watering and coaling appliances are a hundred years behind the times. Some engines cannot take water at the tank without fouling the shunting yard. No bicycle shed is provided, and bicycles are stored in the shed, with disastrous results to the machines, especially those in tho vicinity of where the fitters are working. Tho men are thoroughly disgusted with the whole outfit, and want something more than promises, of which we have had t n .many. With a large amount of unemployment in tho country, we consider that now is the time to put this very essential work in hand. Instead of advancing, we are truly going back, and the men have a ‘don’t care’ feeling bred into them, and the Department "ill vet have to suffer for the same.”