THE RAILWAYMEN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17099, 23 February 1916, Page 7

THE RAILWAYMEN.

DEMAND FOR INCREASED WAGES. PRIME MINISTER INTERVIEWED. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 22. The Prime Minister was questioned to-day bv a "Post" representative regarding the views of a deputation rem the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants which . interviewed him last We "ln view of the statements by the .secretary of the A.5.R.5.," replied Mr Massey, "while I have no intention of, at present, discussing the proposals made bv two deputations, one from the A S.R.S. and the-other from the locomotive men to the Minister of Railways and myself, I think it is only right to say that members of botli , deputations expressed their opinions in the most friendly manner to the Minister and myself. There was no motion and no heat on either side, and nothing was said that could possibly be taken exception to. "'At the close of the meeting with the A.S.R.S. deputation, in response to their request for an increase of wages which at Is per day. meant over £200,000 per annum, I said— according to the shorthand report of the interview taken by my private secretary, who was present—' This is a matter for Cabinet, "and will be considered at the first meeting of Cabinet at which the Finance Minister (Sir Joseph Ward), the Minister for Railways (the Hon W. H. Hemes), and myself are present. I.hope that will be next week, but I cannot promise that definitely because several Ministers will be away from Wellington on business.' Mr Mack then said ' Can "you give us a reply within a month from now?' I answered 'Certainly.' "Then at the conclusion of the interview between the locomotive men and some Minister?. I said these words: 'I wanted to make it perfectly clear 1 that neither myself nor the Minister for Railways could commit the Government to increased expenditure, and the request would be submitted to Cabinet at a very early date, when the three Ministers principally concerned, Sir Joseph Ward, Mr Herries, and myself, could be present.' " POSITION IN DUNEDIN. [From Our Correspondent.] DUNEDIN, February 22. I understand that the Dunedin railwaymen are disinclined to support organisations in other'parts of New Zealand in passing resolutions protesting against the action of the Minister of Railways, regarding increased pay. The men in this section are inclined to the opinion that the whole question will be amicably settled.