THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 198, 19 February 1914, Page 2

THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

EKIHT IIOUKS DAY WANTED. 'By Telegraph.—Press Association. Clirislehurch, Tuesdav. The annual conference of the Xew Zealand Loco. Engine-drivers' Firemen's '"id Cleaners' Association resumed today. Matters in connection with the alteration of the constitution'nf (he Association were considered, but the reorganisation scheme was not reached. It was decided to advocate that there should be a minimum <lay for drivers and firemen on shunting engines, it being held that this class of work is of an arduous character. The idea is that an eight-hour day should he conformed to as closely as possible. It was stated that on the main line, the work of engine-drivers and firemen called upon them to work fourteen and fifteen hours, getting time off next day, and that those engaged on shunting eii' gines worked ten hours. There is no rule prohibiting drivers and firemen working beyond nine hours a dav, and Hie decision arrived at is to endeavor to limit (lie hours of work in one dav to nine.

t U was decided to recommend that J when a member is charged with an I ollence he shall be allowed to peruse all reports, statements and recommendations bearing on his case; also that he shall be allowed to cross-examine all who have made verbal statements and bo given an opportunity to reply to nil written statements and reports before anything is determined in relation to the offence wherewith he is cluu-«ed. 1 nder present conditions, it was stated' a member concerned is not able to reply to, or to combat, many allegations made against him by those interested As these reports and statements hud a distinct, bearing on charges laid against members, it was held'that the right of final reply to all statements and reports should be given to accused men. It is generally supposed that confidential reports figure largely in oresent methods. '

It was decided to make overtures to tlio Department, (o increase the nay for work done on Sunday and to brinj? in- <> line |.li« pay for work done on flood l'riday ami Christmas Day, as is done in industries outside tile'railways. It was resolved to ask that 'loeo. members of the second division he cppointeil on the Punishment Hoard in view of the fact that no consideration is shown to .members who appeal trains! decisions involving lines under jK in winch ease it was alleged statements of superior office,., arc taken without 'pic-dion.