RAILWAY SERVICE INQUIRY.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 46, 6 February 1920, Page 2

RAILWAY SERVICE INQUIRY.

FIRST DIVISION’S CASE. Wellington, Feb. 5. At the Railway Service Inquiry Board, regarding hours of duty, Mr. Denehy said it was asked that at country stations the hours should not be more than 42 per week and at centres and large stations not more than 38 per week. That apart from meal hours all hours should be consecutive, that all hours worked between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. count as time and a quarter in computing a week’s work, and that every officer be entitled to a period or not less than 24 consecutive hours free from duty each week. Mr. Denehy_ urged that the increased; cost of living made it necessary to increase the salaries of the first division. Mr. E. Casey, supporting the claim said readjustment was highly desirable. They asked for the regrading of the whole division, particularly in giving an adequate salary to a man who failed to qualify for promotion. It had become apparent, in view of the position in 1919, that the top of the lowest grade in the division was’ really going to be the stopping point for many officers, and it was asked that a sufficient salary be given to warrant members believing that such men could live in reasonable com- 1 fort. Mr. Denehy urged that travelling allowances range from £1 in the caSe of officers drawing over ' £470, and in the case of salaries under £470, £l5/- per day. - Mr. C. R. Bell and Mr. C. B. Ryan asked that hours at country stations for stationroasters and clerks should not exceed 38 hours per week, in the interests- of public safety.