DOMINION NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1919, Page 6

DOMINION NEWS.

CEMENT WORKS TROUBLE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wlmngarei, Sept. 23. i The manager of the Portland cement 1 works states that the shortage of coal caused by the miners' "go slow" policy has necessitated the disuse of one plant and only half of the second plant is being operated. About 2UO men arc affected. RAILWAY COMMISSION OPEJJS. Wellington, Sept. 23. The Royal Commission to inquire into and report concerning the curtailment of the railway services on July 2 last held its first sitting to-day, Mr. J. P. Maxwell presiding. Mr. M. Myers appeared to represent the Railway Department and Mr. A. W. Blair the Coal Trade Committee. ' Mr. R. W. McVilly, General Manager of Railways, was the only witness examined. He said he entered the railway service in 1877. . Instructions for the cut were given some time before July 2. They were to aim at a reduction of (ifi per cent, in the train mileage. That then being nu was 129,000 miles per week, and the reduction was to 52,000 miles approximately, roughly 60 per cent. Strict instructions were given that double tending on trains was to be done away with. The passenger services were drastically cut and the goods services also severely curtailed to provide for the carriage of csesntials, foodstuffs and so forth. He concurred with the finding of the previous commission, which held that the rolling stock of the department was in satisfactorily good condition. The cut was practically in operation up to July 2 of this year. There was no suggestion that the cuts of which he spoke were due to defective rollingstock or lack of engine-power. The chairman: Then as to this cut on July 2, was that due to the condition of the Tolling stock? Mr. McVlily: No, sir. The chairman: To what, then, was it due? Mr. McVilly: The shortage of coal solely. The ohaimian: There was no fault in rolling str '.; or in the road? Mr. McVilly: No, absolutely none. Had the coal stocks been sufficient to carry on there would have been no cut in the service at all. As Mr. W. D. Hunt, member of the Commission, was absent in the South Island, the Commission adjourned till to-morrow, when the remainder of Mr. McVilly's evidence will be taken. PUBLIC SERVICE CONTROL. Wellington. Sept. 23. A deputation from the Public Service Association met the Prime Minister today and discussed various matters related to the control of the service. Mr. W. M. Wriirht, vice-president, said that public servants generally were in favor of the present system of control, but suggested an improvement. Tho association felt satisfied that the new system had suppressed and checked many abuses, and if thp Act was amended to provide for the improvements which time had shown to he necessary. centralised and independent as apart from political control of the public service promised to produce even better Tesnlts in future. The association proposed the establishment of a Public Service Board of three members, to include a member elected bv the service. Mr. Wright insisted on the continuation of the Tight of appeal, and asked the Government to give an indication as to when it was likely to introduce an amendment to the Public .Scrvics Act. The association desired n payment of £45 to all public servants, as the increase in the cost of living as from April 1 last. The Public Service Commissioner had stated definitely that he would have no objection to a £4,5 all-round increase, provided a way was found. The association believed that the Government, having conceded to railway officers that £45 all round increase, it was equitable it should do likewise to the general public service. Mr. Massey, replying, said he was glad to hear that, the great majority of members of the public service had no desire to go back to the old system. "If it is possible to prevent it we shall never go baek to the old system," said the Prime Minister. If time permitted an amendment to the Public Service Act would be placed on the Statute Book. He would be pleased to put the association's suggestions before Cabinet. The term of office of the present Commissioners had nearly come to an end, but it was not intended that they should go out of office at the end of the year, or for some months afterwards. He was inclined to think the proposed board of control would work this; and the proposal for the £ls all-round increase would be considered by the Cabinet. CLERKS AND OFFTCE EMPLOYEES' DISPUTE. Christchurch, Last Night. The following circular letter has been forwarded to employers of clerks in Christchurch: "I am instructed on behalf of the Clerks, Cashiers, and Office Employees' Union to submit the following claims for wages and hours of work: Thirty-eight hours shall constitute a week's work; all time worked in excess of this shall be paid for at the rate of time and a half; a minimum wage to seniors of £5 10s per week, and juniors at proportionate rates. The union's representative will be pleased to meet your representative in conference to discuss the above claims and other conditions, such conference not to be held later than 'September 30." It is anticipated the employers will reject the union's proposals and a dispute will be created. The following are the wages which the nnion is asking for: First year £1 ss, second year £1 12s (id, third year £2 2s, fourth year £3 ss, fifth year £4, thereafter £5 10s. Special conditions are proposed that men commencing clerical duties at the age of 21 shall be paid a minimum wage to be fixed.