ENGINE DRIVERS' REQUESTS. DEPUTATION TO THE-MINISTER.

Evening Post, Volume LXVIII, Issue 95, 19 October 1904, Page 6

ENGINE DRIVERS' REQUESTS. DEPUTATION TO THE- MINISTER.

Representatives of the Wellington En-gine-drivers' Union waited on the Minister in charge of the Inspection of Machinery Department this morning, and had a long interview regarding several matters. One request made was that the' size of boilers for which a certificated driver should<be required be reduced from 14in to Bin. The Minister said any amendment of the Act would have to stand over till next session. The deputation also urged that the provisions of the Act with regard to the amount of pressure on a boiler were being contravened, and they wanted Inspectors to be appointed to make visits at odd times, in order to check these irregularities. The Minister did not receive the proposal with favour, pointing out that it would require about a thousand inspectors to do what was asked. Engine-drivers could be of great service to the Department in giving information, and the Department could then take action apart altogether from the union. Another request was that a provision should be pUt in the Act prohibiting an engine-driver from leaving his engine on any pretext whatever (as in the New South Wales Act), unless his place was taken by another certificated driver. The Minister did not express any opinion on the subject. The deputation also asked that some compensation should be given to a certain engine-driver who had been receiving les« wages that he was entitled to. He got a service certificate from his employer that he had been working on a boiler of 15 h.p. and an engine of lisgin diameter. On that he got his service certificate, but was only -paid 35s a week, instead of 8s a day to which he was entitled under an award. The employer was eventually cited for breach of award, but the case was dismissed as he produced a certificate from the Department that the diameter of the engine was only llin, and that no certificated driver need therefore be employed. The deputation complained that these facts "showed a lack of knowledge on the part of the Department — a complaint which the Chief Inspector of Machinery replied to by saying that the cylinder was bored out, and the Department was not advised of the alteration. The Minister promised to have full enquiry made.

Freo trips to York Bay are advertised by Messrs. W. H. Turnbull and Co. for Sunday next, on Wednesday, 26th, and Saturday, 29th October. Messrs. Cudby's coach will meet the afternoon boats on these dates at Day's Bay to convey intending purchasers to York Bay. Some 43 sections at this seaside resort will be offered at auction on easy terms on Tuesday, Ist November, by Messrs. "W. H. Turnbull nnd Co., and thoßo interested are requested to send for plans and full particulars. Tenders are invited for the purchase of I a nine-roomed house for removal. »