EXPLANATION BY THE MINISTER

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14810, 30 October 1913, Page 3

EXPLANATION BY THE MINISTER

In explaining the Bill, tho Hon. W. H. Homes, 'Minister of Raalways, stated that the salient rroints of tho measure were in the schedule. Provision was made for an increase to the first division. Those advances hael been submitted to those interested, and had met with their approval. Replying to Sir Joseph Ward, who asked what was being done for the seeonet division.

Mr Hemes said that matter was before tho Rail-way Committee, and ho could make no statement until the committee ronorted. He understood that the great bulk oi the .second division were satisfied with the increase of Inst year. In connexion with leve?l crossing alarms, he st-ted that tho alarms from signal boxes would not be altered, nor would the arrangements »t present in voguo wliero crofisingkeepers were employed be alteredTlie Di-opcsed alnrms would be erected in tho coun'trv. but he could not inform the House just where they -would be situated, nor could he say tliat all crossings would be so fitted at once. ~-—., * iiReplying to Mr Ell, who asked for provision for payment to casual ro-il-wnv labourers of In <3d per hour, the Minister said that matter could not be dea.lt with in the Bill, but came under the regulations which would be brought down when the Bill liad been put through. He could ncet say whether casuals were doa It with therein, hut tho rail wav staffs hael seen tne reeuln-tions and were quite sa-snea vrth them.