Railwaymen's Wants.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 125, 31 May 1904, Page 3

Railwaymen's Wants.

♦ (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, May 30. A deputation of delegates from the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants waited on Sir Joseph Ward this afternoon to bring under his notice the balance of the requests formulated at the recent conference hclo in Wellington. There were 113 of these questions put before the Minister, and he replied to each in detail. One of the demands was that preference of employment be given to members of the society when reductions of the stall are contemplated. Sir Joseph replied that this request could not be complied with under any circumstances. It would be most detrimental to the interests of the service, in which each person employ ed Was judged on his merits. A large number of points into which the deputation went dealt with matters of detail and a t«-lu,i-cal charucter. In connection with the working of the railways, Sir Jc seph told the deputation that the rate of pay for wood machinists would be amended when the Classification Act was amended. Labour Day would be granted as an extra day's leave per annum. Arrangements would li: made for a magistrate to sit on important inquiries into offences or misdemeanours committed by railway employees. A precis of correspondence would be supplied to persons charged with an offence. Instruction had been given for the hours of cnginemen, firemen. and guards to be reduced to twelve per day as a minimum. The age limit of maintenance men for promotion would be raised from 4o to 50 years. Locomotive engineers will in future conduct examinations of cleaners, firemen and engincmen, and wherever possible carpenters would be supplied with tools at cost price. Where members were absent from home on business, meals would be paid for, and an attempt would be made to supply overcoats at stores contract rates.

CABLE NEWS.

Dnited Press Association.—By Telegraph.—Copyright.