RAILWAYMEN'S WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 March 1916, Page 8

RAILWAYMEN'S WAGES.

im QUESTION POSTPONED. ' By Telegraph.—Press Association; Wellington, Yesterday. In regard to the recent deputation of the A.S.K.S. and the request made for increased wages, a reply has been sent by Mr. Massey to Mr. R. Hampton, president of the A.S.R.S., and to the president of the Locomotive Enginedrivers' Association. In this Mr. Massey says the proposal was fully and thoroughly discussed by a full meeting of the Cabinet but, being a very much larger question than appeared at first sight, it was found impossible to arrive at a definite decision before the end of the current month. The proposal, if agreed to, meant a payment from the Treasury of a very large sum of money, possibly involving increased taxation, and Ministers came to the conclusion that in justice to the people of the Dominion the whole financial position should be, a s far as possible, definitely ascertained before further liabilities were incurred. < In the event-of an increase being agreed to by the Cabinet such payment would commence from the new financial year, viz., April

The Cabinet was unanimous in regard to the decision that has been so far arrived at and which is herein conveyed for the information of the society. A Cabinet meeting is to be held as soon as the financial position of the Dominion is ascertained. Meanwhile the Premier and Sir Joseph Ward and Mr. Herries will be glad to receive any further repesentations should the society desire to make them.