RAILWAY WAGES.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 19 October 1922, Page 5

RAILWAY WAGES.

MINISTER CROSS-QUESTIONED. (By Telegraph—Special to the Star.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 18. A good deal of curiosity was shown by the Opposition members in the House to-day over the special agreement made by the Minister of Railways .with, the Locomotive Men's Association in connection with the recent ; wages reductions. The agreement provides for longer working hours and some reduction of privileges as a setoff against the locomotive men being , relieved from a reduction of the schedule of wages. Mr Veiteh (Wanganui) wished to . know if all sections of the railway service had been consulted over the matter . and treated alike, and he asked that the agreement be placed before Parliament. Messrs Wilford, Holland and other members supported this demand, Mr Atmore suggesting that there was something radically: wrong when the journal of the locomotive men declared that the Government was the friend of the worker. Mr Holland pointed to the new schedule of the locomotive men's wages as an indication that, despite the agreement, they had suffered some reduction. Mr Guthrie (Minister of Railways) replied that the Railway Amendment Bill dealt only with the- locomotive employees and was giving; effect to an agreement with their organisation. When the wages cut was proposed the three railway societies were informed, and the Officers' Institute stated that, although they did not like a reduction they would have to accept it. The Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants declined to discuss any proposals, but the Locomotive Men's Association, recognised the necessity for a, reduction and asked for time to make suggestions. They eventually, after consulting their branches, made proposals which were embodied in an agreement. Mr Veiteh: Can we have the agreement? Mr Guthrie: I have not seen it. (Opposition laughter.) Mr Veiteh: You don't know an agreement on which you introduce legislation. . Mr Guthrie:. If I was constituted like the hon. gentleman I would not trust anybody. I know what is the effect of the agreement. ""The privileges given up cost £1 more than has been taken from the A.S.R.S. Mr Masters: As Minister of Railways you have never seen the agreement? Mr Guthrie: No. Mr Masters: Remarkable.