THE LOCO. MEN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume 1, Issue 8, 14 February 1914, Page 8

THE LOCO. MEN.

CONFERENCE CONTINUED.

The loco, men continue their conference sittings in the Trades Hall. Yesterday afternoon it was decided to recommend the immediate drafting of members into the higher percentages when vacancies occur. A recommendation was made that when men are sent away from home overnight, they shall be allowed sleeping accommodation at boardingbouses instead of sleeping vans, and that the lodging allowance be brought into line with that to members of Division I. 14. scale of long service holidays, on the Australian system, was recommended. Elective representation to/ each department of the Public Service on the Superannuation Board was also recom'V- <* r .>>'■' v ThV association's Sick Benefit Fund will 5 be registered under the Friendly Societies Act. t . When the conference resumed this morning, a' motion was. passed concerning'the"'present system of overtime, which, it was contended, was opposed to the best interests of the service, and curtails the promotion of men from tAe lower to the higher grades of the service. The present practice of the department; 1 -in denying privilege tickets to railway menfc children was criticised as a hardship, particularly in eases, where families are sent on transfer to isolated places. Under, the present system, it sometimes costs a railway man and his wife (who get privilege tickets) more money to carry their children than they have to pay for themselves. Cases were quoted in which the children's fares doubled or quadrupled those of the father's and mother's. To-night the loco men hold a smoke concert, which will be attended by several members of Parliament, including Messrs Davey and Witty. To-morrow the delegates are being taken for a harbour excursion. ,