RAILWAY DISCONTENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIVIII, Issue 17684, 20 January 1921, Page 6

RAILWAY DISCONTENT.

THE FIREMEN'S DEMANDS. OPINION OF AUCKLAND MEN. SPREAD OF TROUBLE UNLDKELY. The trouble that has arisen in regard to firemen on the Wellington section of the railways is not likely to extend to tho Auckland district; at least, this was the impression gathered from inquiries made yesterday. An unofficial statement made by a prominent member of the railway service yesterday was to the effect that it was not anticipated that any serious developments would result from the action of the Wellington men. He said the enginedrivers were quite satisfied with their conditions, and had no desire to become involved in an upheaval of any kind. Referring to the origin of the trouble, > this official stated that for some time prior to the Christmas and New Year holidays the coal used in firing the engines had been of very inferior quality, and it had only been with considerable difficulty and a great deal of hard work that the firemen had been able to keep steam going at the requisite pressure. Since then, however, the department had obtained several shipments of Newcastle coal, and this was being mixed with the inferior coaL with excellent results. STATEMENT BY KB. HcVZLLY. AWAITING ENGINEER'S RETURN. [BT EmBGKASH. —PEESS -&SSOCXAIIO3'.] WEI/LINGTOK", Wednesday. The"General Manager of Railways, Mr. R. W. McVHIt, informed the railway firemen that in tie absence of Mr. Gillon, chief mechanical engineer, their demands could not be dealt with at the moment. When he returned at the end of the week they would receive attention. The objections of the men are grounded on the allegation that the coal will not burn, and no pressure of steam could be got when the engine had gone six or eight miles. It meant cleaning out the firebox and forced draught had to be used, which caused more work for the cleaners. The coal objected to is Australian, and is alleged to contain a large quantity of sand.