WANTS OF ENGINEDRIVERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14985, 6 May 1912, Page 5

WANTS OF ENGINEDRIVERS.

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER. CONSIDERATION PROMISED. [BY TBLBQKAPH.—KRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Saturday A deputation from the Erjginedrivers' Federation waited upon the Minister for Labour (Hon. G. Laurenson), and laid before him a number of requests in regard to the Inspection of Machinery Act and other matters. Mr. Laurenson, in reply, said lhat he had a difficult task to fulfil, standing, as he did, between the engineers, who wished their privileges conserved, and engindrivere, who wished to improve their positions. With respect to a request for power for association representatives to visit en-gine-rooms, ha said he would rather have extra inspectors employed. The head of the Department had reported against any narrowing down of the definition of "effective change," but he would consider the matter and see what could be done. The presence in an examination-room of a representative of any body the members of which were being examined was liable to cause a great deal of friction. The request that there should be a weekly day of rest had his entire sympathy, and if he could do anything to promote that end he would. Something might be done, such as they had done on the Lyttelton Harbour Board, in the way of giving special holiday leave. Continuing, Mr. Laurenson said that it seemed to him reasonable that the holder of a mine engineer's certificate should be deemed to be the holder of a first-class shore certificate. Their request that drivers with four years' service should be allowed to" sit for an engineer's certificate was to his mind the most important they had brought forward. Something should, if possible, be done to allow a man to rise above his present position. He would consider the question of a uniform ticket for motor-drivers, but he did not wish to interfere with local government, which controlled this matter. The request for "steam time" appeared to him to be more within the province of .the Arbitration Court. Mr. Read, a member of the deputation, replied that they had tried the Arbitration Court, and could get no satisfaction in la- recent award. It appeared as if the Court considered that enginedrivera were different from other flesh and blood. "We feel very strongly on this matter, and we are going to have it," he continued. The Minister advised Mr. Read to speak with more moderation. After being assured that the remainder of the requests would be considered, deputation withdrew.