RAILWAY SOCIETY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 290, 11 May 1914, Page 5

RAILWAY SOCIETY.

SMOKE CONCERT. The New Plymouth brunch of the; Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants recently decided to hold a number of winter evening entertainments, and the first of the series was held in the Social Hall on Saturday evening last, taking" the form of a smoke con- • cert. Mr J. O'Brien presided. Among other guests were Messrs H. J. H. Okcy, M.P., and W. T. Jennings, ex-M.P. Interspersed with song and story, the following toasts were honoured: "The King," "The Parliament of New Zealand," '"The New Plymouth branch, A.5.R.5.," "The Land We Live In," a composite toast embracing the various branches of the railway service, "The Ladies," "The Press," «nd "The Chairman." An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental items was rendered by Messrs Tunbridge, Key, Jenkins, Murray, Wakefield, Thomson, Howlett, Vinsen, Mclsaae, and Brooks. Mr J. Bainbridge accompanied on a grand concert piano, kindly lent by Mr Hoffmann. Mr S. G, Smith, in a neat speech, proposed the toast of "The Parliament of New Zealand." Or course, he said, rail-way-men did not know anything of party politics, but at the same time they had to express their best thanks to the members of various Parliaments for the many improvements that they had given to the service. It was alway.s pleasing to read or hear the expression of opinion of those who were in a position to know that the standard set by the Parliament in this country was second to none. Mr Smith concluded by saying that the railway-men were looking forward to the coming session of Parliament with a great deal of anxiety, and were in great hopes that the end of the coining session would bring bright hopes fulfilled. Mr 11. Okcy, M.P., in responding, said that the party which he belonged to were doing their best to have a contented service. He reminded those present that the Minister for Railways (Hon W. 11. llerrics), when declining a request for reduction in railway charges, said that his first duty was to his staff, and when he had satisfied their want 3, he then would be in a position to sec where reduction in charges could be made. He referred to the efforts of the Government to improve the position of the men, and their great desire to improve the train services.

MY Jennings also replied to the toast of "Parliament.''" and referred to the Mineral development that had taken place in recent years.

Mr W. T. Jennings, in a fine speech, proposed "The Land We Live In," which vas responded to hv Mr Thomson and Mi Neill.