ENGINE DRIVERS' ASSOCIATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16003, 20 February 1914, Page 7

ENGINE DRIVERS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

(Feb United Paess Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, February 19. The conference of the New Zealand Locomotive Engine-drivers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association was resumed to-day. 'Ihe conference sat in oommittce discussing the proposed alterations to the constitution, including tho proposals to alter the manner in which tho executive is appointed and the removal of the headquarters from Christchureh to Wellington.

In the course of the discussion the president (Mr S. Kennedy) reviewed the results of the operation of tho present constitution, and put the matter of the proposed reorganisation fairly before the conference. In a non-committal way, ho urged the delegates to decide the question on its merite, and not by any opinions he expressed. He added that ho did not intend to record his vote, but he was against reorganisation on the lines of the Wellington remit.

On a division, the reorganisation scheme was thrown out by 4 votes to 6. The division list was: For reorganisation—Messrs Wiles, J. Pepperill, J. Craies, J. Denz. Against reorganisation—Messrs E. Henderson, H. Brown, A. Rowe, R. Walker. J. Henderson, G. Lee. On the result being announced the delegates generally expressed satisfaction with the attitude taken up by the president on the subject, and those who had voted for reorganisation pledged themselves to support the present constitution. The Grand Council intends taking into consideration the question of placing the perioral secretary's position on a permanent basis, the idea being that the secretary should devote his services entirely to the association.

The discussion on tho reorganisation ficheme lasted all day. and the conference adjourned till 9 a.m. the following day.