ENGINE-DRIVERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9690, 19 June 1917, Page 6

ENGINE-DRIVERS

FORTHCOMING CONFERENCE. The annual conference of the New Zealand Federated Engine-drivers, River Engineers, Greasers, and Firemen's Association will he held in Wellington on July 10th. Large numbers ot remits have been forwarded by the affiliated unions. The principal matter for discussion is the Inspection of Machinery Act, on which the following remits have a bearing:—From Auckland: That the. administration be discussed; that an applicant for a locomotive and traction engine-driver’s certificate shall produce testimonials from a driver under whom he has served; that the federation be represented on the board of examiners; that all engines and boilers shall be in charge of certificated engine-drivers. From Canterbury: That the association protest against apprentices holding third Dianne tickets issued by engineering colleges being allowed to take charge of first-class stationary engines before having completed their apprenticeship. From Napier branch, Wellington Union: That a list of permits issued to owners of machinery be furnished to branches, so that steps may be taken by the union to furnish men, if possible, so as to eliminate men with no qualification. From Wellington ; That all gas-producers and plants attached thereto bo iii charge of certificated men; that the secretary of the Inspection of Machinery Department bo prevented from issuing permits to work without the properly certificated men being in charge. Among other remits to come before the conference are the following: That tho Arbitration Act bo amended to provide that engine-drivers shall be governed by the engine-drivers’ award irrespective of the trade or industry in which they aro engaged; that conference considers the question of financial appeals, and the action of tho federation and unions in tho event of strikes.