A. S. R. S.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 June 1917, Page 5

A. S. R. S.

ADDRESSES AT NEW PLYMOUTH. BY PRESIDENT AND GENERAL SECRETARY. At a special meeting of the New Plymouth branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, held in the Railway Hall on Sunday, addresses: were delivered by Messrs R. Hampton (Dominion President of the Society) and M. J. Mack (general secretary). There was a large attendance of members, and tho visitors were warmly -welcomed by the local branch' chairman, Mr. F. Reed. Mr. Hampton, in the course of an eloquent and forceful address,, referred first of all to the question of organisation of labor and trades unions, and to 1 tho expressed desire of other unions for the introduction of a scheme of federation which would embrace the trades or callings allied to the transport service. The speaker dealt specifically with the various sthenics now under discussion, and before disposing of that subject he outlined the A.S,R.S. Executive Council's 6chcuie, which, if adopted, would enable each branch or calling to have their separate meetings,for the discussion of business affecting their own trade or celling; tot when it came to questions affecting the whole, such questions, would ibe dealt with by a central executive, which would be representative of the whole.

The action of the Railway Department in taking a ballot of those members of the railway service who were drawn in tho military service ballot seems to have caused a deal of discussion, "but," said Mr. Hampton, "I have not yet heard one critic who has been able to explain just how these ballots wero conducted or the reasons why they were conducted." The speaker then explained fully the reasons which prompted the Railway Department to ballot for the number of n»n they felt they could release, and also the method adopted. "Mr. Hampton said he was quite clear, with a knowledge of the whole position, that the method adopted was the most equitable to all concerned.

Dealing with the State associations' representations to tlie acting-Prime Minister urging the national organisation of the means of protraction, Mr. Hampton said: ''What we have suggested, is already in operation in England, and, notwithstanding the ridicule of a certain section of the press, we are prepared to go before any committee, parliamentary or otherwise, and prove that what we actually suggested is procticable, and, as a matter of fact, what we are asking is only that conscription should be brought out to its logical conclusion. We are as loyal as any other section, of the community, and what we ask is, as far as possible, equality of sacrifice." After dealing with several important service questions, Mr. Hampton concluded by making a stirring appeal for the whole-hearted support of members, whoso assitance was needed in these times, the most stirring their movement and the country had ever had to face. Mr. Mack then addressed the meeting, dealing principally with questions affecting the railway service. In connection wth the cost of living, they had come to the conclusion that a 10 per cent, reduction in the cost of living would be infinitely better than even a 12y 3 per cent, increase in wages, and he then proceeded to explain in detail their reasons for the conclusion.

Mr. Mack then referred to the change in the chairmanship of the Railway Appeal Board, and their reasons lor urging a change. The speaker also referred to the propoaala for a federation of all transport workers, and ho pointed out the good work of the Transport Advisory Board in preventing a general strike of* drivers during the recent trouble. In conclusion he emphasised the importance of all working together for the common good, and ever keeping in view that they could gain more hy adopting constitutional means than by the short cut advocated by some. After satisfactorily answering several questions, the following resolution was unanimously adapted: "That the meeting accords Messrs Hampton and Mack thanks for their interesting and informative addresses, and that, further, we express renewed confidence in them as our chief executive officers."