NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, 24 October 1918, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

RAILWAY ENGINE MSN.

higher wages demanded

PAYMENT FOR NIGHT DUTY

The questions of wages and overtime were considered at a meeting of the Auckland branch of the Enginedrivers, Firemen, and Cleaners’ Association. It was resolved: “That this branch demands that the Government put our wages at least on a pre-war basis. We demand that the night work question be immediately considered, iand night work counted at the rate of time and a-half instead of the present ordinary rate; also, that the ‘acting’ evil be abolished and the men rise to the highest position in various grades similar to Australia. Wo urge the executive council to continue its activities, and wo pledge ourselves to be loyal to it in whatever action it may advise, and call on all branches ,to carefully consider tho position, and so prepare, in the event of concerted action being necessary.” The resolution further urges that, failing a favourable reply to the demands, the executive council take more drastic action. WELLINGTON, Oct. 21 , A large meeting of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Locomotive Firemen and Cleaners’ Association passed the following resolution: “That this branch demands that the Government give immediate effect to our claims, put forward for the last five years, for increased wages, and overtime for night duty between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. This branch calls upon the executive council to takesteps immediately to get these requests agreed to by the Government, and pledges itself to assist the executive council to any action it deems necessary. The branch also desires to protest emphatically against working so 1 much overtime, which men arc called upon to do in spite of the fact that the busy season is not in yet. Long hours of work at irregular hours and at night and not conducive to good health. ’ ’ The Greymouth Locomotive Association carried a resolution urging f ' the executive to use every means in its power to “-.obtain adequate remuneration for night work' and a rate of wage in keeping with the importance of the work performed..’ ’ .

RAILWAY MEN AND THE GOVERNMENT. A WANGANUI RESOLUTION WANGANUI, tips day. The Local Branch ’of the Amalgamated Society of railway servants resolved yesterday that as the Government seems to be paltering, with the request for an increase of two shillings per day, we urge the executive to demand an immediately reply. If the refusal is given we demand the council 'at onefi convene a meeting of Wellington representatives of -branches to consider future action.

THE UNION OF CHURCHES. CONFERENCE IN -WELLINGTON MOTION FOR UNION CARRIED. WELLINGTON, this day. A meeting of 120 ministers and office bearers of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches was held last night. They conferred informally on the movement for the union of the three churches mentioned. It is stated this union is now well on its way to accomplishment. Already a majority of the Presbyterian, governing bodies have adopted overtures favouring the union, which will be discussed at a general assembly in the churches next month.

Rev. Gibb presided last night, and advanced arguments in favour of the proposed union. While he was convinced the churches must be united, he counselled caution, so that each step to go would be assuredly on a firm footing. Resolutions by assemblies and conferences might accomplish much in missions, opening schools and orphanages, and could do many other things but union could only come if the people desired it. The present task was to reach the minds of the congregations and instruct and inspire them with a great ideal. In the discussion which followed, the Hon. J. G. W. Aitken, Moderator of the General Assembly, strongly supported the -proposal.--.A Finally a motion was adopted approving of the proposed union, and affirming the time had cofne to take uctive steps for the consumation of that ideal. PROPOSED ANGLICAN DAY SCHOOLS. ADOPTED. BY. SYNOD, Auckland, this day. The Anglican Synod, with few dissentients, passed a bill providing for the establishment of church day schools, and appointed a Board of Control.

BRITISH PRESS. DELEGATION TO N.Z. WELLINGTON, Oct. 23. Mr. Massey end Sir Joseph Ward were entertained at luncheon by the New Zealand Club to-day. Mr. Massey, speaking of the need of more publicity for the Dominionamong the people of the Old Country, said he had invited Lord Burnham to arrange for a delegation of British Pressmen to these islands. On behalf of tho British Press, Lord Burnham had accepted the invitation on an understanding that the journey would be made after the war. ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES. A GIRL’S DEATH. DUNEDIN, October 23. Hazel May Vivian, aged 18, died unexpectedly yesterday, She had some teeth extracted the previous day, under an anaesthetic. She afterwards complained of feeling ill, and died about 24 hours subsequent to the operation.