THE RAILWAYMEN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17098, 22 February 1916, Page 7

THE RAILWAYMEN.

INCREASED WAGES DEMANDED. [Pur Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 21. At a meeting of railway employees yesterday the following resolution was carried: — "That this representative meeting emphatically protests'against tho attitude of the Minister of Railways in regard to an increase in pay of railway men, and considers that members have borne with this; attitude long enough, and demands an all-ronnd increase of at least 2s per day; failing a satisfactory reply within a fortnight, the Executive Council to be urged to return to Wellington immediately, to consider what further drastic action should be taken; that, in view of the unsatisfactory interview with the Prime Minister and Minister of Railways, this branch now calls upon'the Executive, at once to convene a special conference, as requested by thirty brandies, representing five thousand members."

FEELING IX AUCKLAND. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND. February 21

On inquiry beinig made locally this morning, it was learnt that the motions passed in Wellington yesterday at the headquarters of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants are regarded by Auckland members as of the utmost importance. For a week past rbanches throughout the Dominion have held meetings to consider the refusal of the Minister of Railways to grant the desired increase in pay, and in every case motions of protest have been carried. Still, the attitude of the central branch has been awaited with particular interest, and it is thought locally that the urgent demand, made by Wellington, that the society's claims should be acceded to, may precipitate a crisis. Although the Auckland branch joined the society in its demand for a 2s per man per day increase in nay, a meeting has not yet been, held "to deal with the Minister's refusal to make the increase desired. It is probable that a meeting will be called during the present week. Auckland has a larger membership than any other A.S.R.S. organisation in the Dominion. Between Auckland and Tuakau in the south and Auckland and Henderson in the north there are employed no fewer than 800 guards, porters, shunters, goods shed hands and platelayers who are members of the society. There are some members of the Engine-drivers', Firemen's and Cleaners' Association who are also members of the society.