P. AND T. WORKERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 255, 28 October 1929, Page 10

P. AND T. WORKERS.

AUCKLAND STAFF REUNION. PLAIN TALK ON SALARIES. SOCIAL ENDS AT MIDNIGHT. Over 250 members of the Auckland P. and T. Employees' Association attended the annual reunion on Saturday evening full of anticipation regarding their positions in the service. They were expecting to hear something and they were not disappointed. Labour members of Parliament, including Mr. •H. E. Holland, Leader of the party, were present in force. The Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, Minister of Health, represented the Government, and Mr; A. Harris the Official Opposition. The guests included Mr. A. J. Entrican, Deputy Mayor, Mr. S. Donaldson, Mayor of Newmarket, Mr. G. MaeNamara, secretary of the P. and T. Department, and Mr. J. H. McKenzie, secretary of the P. and T. Employees' Association. Mr. R. Clifl'e, chairman of the local branch, presided. In proposing the toast of "Parliament," Mr. Donaldson set the ball rolling in no uncertain manner by immediately making reference to the Government's refusal to make salary restorations. It was not expected that the subject would come up so early in the evening. Subsequently, there was some exceptionally straight and plain talking and several other toasts and musical items had to be "cut."' The gathering "terminated just before midnight with more than half the original number sun present.

In addition to the toast of "Parliament," to which Mr. Stallworthy, Mr. Holland, and Mr. Harris responded, Mr. W. Cotter proposed that of "The P. and T. Employees' Association," to which Mr. J. H. McKenzie replied. Proposing the toast of "The Department," Mr. Entrican said that it was perhaps the most important department of State. It was really a huge transport system, well run on approved lines. As a matter of face, the public rarely stopped to think or realise what the P. and T. employees and the Department- were doing for them. Mr. McNamara, who responded, said he had recently returned from a world's tour, and he knew it was a good department. In fact, in some instances, it

was ahead of other countries—perhaps a little too far ahead when finances were taken into consideration. The P. and I Department had a larger turnover than anv other department of State. He advised all the employees to pull together for their o\vn advantage. Le the spirit of co-operation be inculcated and differences would soon disappear. Musical and other items were given by Messrs. G. Clievis, E.'Pooley, W.£* thaw, and W. J. Meredith. Mr. trie Bell was accompanist. References to the salary question are reported in another column. 4.