RAILWAY WAGES.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 264, 6 November 1919, Page 9

RAILWAY WAGES.

* REFERRED TO INQUIRY BOARD. t (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star. , ! r t WELLINGTON, Thursday. Mr. Massey announced to the House that the question of wa-gee increases to the Second Division of the railway service wae 'being referred to a board which would be set up to consider a number ol railway questions. The board was being asked to take into account the c cost of living changes since March last j when an agreement was made with thn , c ' Second Division of railwaymen. Tho • c board would be asked to report within I three months, and submit an interim jjl report on wages if necessary. v .Mr. Veitch suggested Jhat considcraj, tion of the cost of living figures eince [(•J March last would not cover the ground, j j because railwaymen complained that l s the wages they drew did not cover the j 5 increased cost of living during the whole j. war period. I Mr. Massey replied that war 'bonuses „ equal to £43 per annum had been made ,t permanent, and board would now lt inquire whether t'iie wages at present v paid were adequate, and whether condij. I tions could be improved, l-l Replying to a suggestion from Mr. , r Veitch, the Premier said he would nob 4 definitely promise to consult the raihvayie I men's societies reg&tdhig the order of ■ c j reference, but he would consider it.