RAILWAY OFFICERS’ INSTITUTE

Evening Star, Issue 22383, 6 July 1936, Page 1

RAILWAY OFFICERS’ INSTITUTE

SMOKE CONCERT A most enjoyable smoke social was Jield by the Otago branch of the Railway Officers’ Institute in the Strand Salon on Saturday evening last, when some 75 members, including representatives _of all the Public Service organisations were present. Mr J. Mac Andrew, representing the A.S.R.S., in proposing the toast of “ The R.0.L,” stressed the necessity fpr co-operation between the two so. cieties, and mentioned the progress that had been made by the institute since its formation some 40 years ago. Mr T. Webster, replying on behalf of the R. 0.1., recalled some of the old ‘stalwarts ” ofthe movement throughout the years, mentioning such names as Styles, Morgan, M'Villy, Wycherley, Hampton, and Stanley, and of the efforts of the present executive in bettering working conditions. He thought that the abolition of the Railways Board was a big step in obtaining those better conditions. (Applause.) There was considerable difference of opinion regarding the One Big Union movement, but the speaker maintained that the institute should be the last of the four bodies of railwayman to amalgamate, as conditions were altogether different from those obtaining in the other societies. Among other toasts honoured was “ The Department,” proposed by Mr C. White, and responded to by Messrs P. H. Morey (district engineer), A. Littlejohn (loco, foreman), and J. Graham (works manager). Mr Morey, paid a tribute to the railwaymen in an emergency, and said he had seen men work 40 hours without a break in an effort to clear the track after a breakdown.

“ Kindred Societies ” was proposed by Mr Rouse, and responded to by Senior-sergeant Packer (Police Force), Sergeant F. J. Johnson (Police), Mr H. N inn is (broadcasting), Mr M‘lsaac (Post and Telegraph Department), Mr W. Pinkham (P. and T. Employees’ Association), Mr_ Paul (Railway Tradesmen’s Association), Mr Docker (Engine Drivers, Firemen, and Cleaners’ Association), and Mr de Clifford on behalf of Speight’s Breweries. During the evening items were rendered by Messrs V. Conch, R. Hughes', J. Maxwell, Constable Tither, With R. T. Clarkson accompanist. A community sing following supper closed a most successful evening.