RAILWAYMEN’S GRIEVANCES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3489, 25 January 1921, Page 28

RAILWAYMEN’S GRIEVANCES.

LOCOMOTIVE MEN’S ULTIMATUM. WELLINGTON, January 18. The following resolution was carried unanimously at a lull meeting ot tire Wellington branch of the Engine-drivers, Firemen, and Cleaners’ Association, held last Sunday:—'That we firemen, having the fullest sympathy of the drivers, view with dissatisfaction the class of inferior coal we are called upon to use. While sympathising with the management in being unable to procure coal of a better standard, we protest against the great quantity of inferior coal they have bought, and are still buying. Had they bought only sufficient to tide them over any shortage that may have existed, they would have retained our sympathy, but owing to tho inferior coal now in use, rve request the management immediately to grant to all firemen and drivers having inexperienced firemen with them, 20 minutes’ extra allowance, both for preparing and putting away engines, and 2s per day extra when burning interior coal. Seeing that this matter has already been represented to the General Manager by correspondence and deputation, we notify the General Manager that unless these requests are granted by noon on Saturday, January 22, the firemen will cease work at midnight on Sunday, January 23.” RAILWAY MEN AND THE BONUS. WELLINGTON, January 17. Mr Massey, speaking of the Christchurch telegram in regard to the railwaymen’s ballot, said there was some mistake. The department had no quarrel with the employees, particularly with the A.S.R.S. He had stated some time ago that in this matter of wages he would consent to the setting up of another Wages Commission, similar to last year’s. He understood that this was agreed to, and that the whole question would be discussed before it. He had heard nothing of a strike, and did not believe it. Mr Mack, secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, says there is no question of a strike, and what Mr Massey said about a commission was correct. Members were being asked to vote not on a straight-out strike question, but as to whether they would support the executive in any action it may take, which was purely a precautionary measure. PERSONNEL OF WAGES BOARD. WELLINGTON, January 18. The names of the members of the Railway Wages Board which is to consider the demand of the Amalgamated Society- of Railway Servants for the 3s bonus are follow :—Messrs J. Macdonald (AssistantGeneral Manager of Railways), A. W. Moutt and G. M'Cartney (representing the department), R. Hampton (president), and M. J. Mack (general secretary of the A.S.R.S.), and Richard Moore (of the Railway Workshops, Newmarket), representing the men. Mr Geo. Elliott, of Auckland, who acted on a previous occasion as chairman of the Railway Officers’ Institute’s Salaries Conference, was chosen as chairman. The date of the first sitting of the board has not yet been fixed. Mr R. W. M'Villy (General Manager of Railways) states that it will meet at an early date.