RAILWAYMEN'S GRIEVANCES.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 February 1916, Page 2

RAILWAYMEN'S GRIEVANCES.

MR. MASSEY'S STATEMENT. " By Association. " Wellington, Yesterday. The Prime Minister was questioned to-day by a Host- reporter regarding Hie facte of the deputation from the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, who interviewed him last wee];. "In view of the statement* made by the secretary of the A.S.R.S, of New Zealand," replied Mr. Ma-sey, ''while I have no intention of at present discussing the proposals made by two deputations (one from the A.5.R.5.0., and the other from the locomotive men) to the Minister of Railways and myself, I think it is only right to say that, members of both deputations expressed their opinion in a most friendly manner to the Minister and myself. There was no friction and no heat on either side, and nothing was said that ■■•mid possibly bo taki.;i exception to. At the close of the meeting with A.S.R.S. deputation, in re-spans.; to their request for an increase of wages, which, at one shilling, per day, meant over £200,000 per annum, I said, according to the shorthand report of the interview which was taken by my private secretary. 'This is a matter for Cabinet, and will be considered at the first meeting of the Cabinet, at which the Finance Minister (Sir Joseph Ward), the Minister for Railways (Hon. W. H. Berries), and myself are present. I hope that it will ,be next week, but I cannot promise that definitely because several Ministers will be away from Wellington on business. "Mr. Mack then said: 'Can you give us a reply within a month from now?' I answered: 'Certainly.' "Then at the conclusion of the interview between the locomotive men and some Ministers I used these words: T want to make it perfectly clear that neither myself nor the Minister for Railways could commit the Government to increased expenditure. The request will be submitted to the Cabinet at a very early date, when the three Ministers principally concerned (Sir Joseph Ward, Mr. Henries, and myself) can be present."