RALIWAY SERVANTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6886, 23 June 1890, Page 3

RALIWAY SERVANTS.

CONFERENCE WITH THE COMMISSIONERS. THE EIGHT HOURS QUESTION. [Per Press Association.} WELLINGTON, June 21. I When the Conference resumed at three i o'clock, ! Mr Hoban said He was sorry that they i could not come to an understanding on the i question of hours of labour, for if the ; Society resorted to extreme measures, none could foretell where it would end. The J ', men were determined to hold out for the : eight hours Bystem, and instead of its costing the country .£30,000 or .£40,000, it might ultimately cost much more than .£IOO,OOO. He thought it was extremely unfortunate that over a dispute of certain hours per day, the Commissioners should force the men to extreme measures. The Commisßioners would not concede the eight hours, and the delegates were only wasting time in arguing the point. Although he regretted very much to have to say it, he must warn the Commissioners that the men were strongly supported, and that if the Executive decided to adopt extreme measures he could unhesitatingly say that they would have the sympathy and support of the public of New Zealand, as well as of the House of Representatives. Commenting on the replies given by the Commissioners, Mr Hoban said that whilst they had given a few small concessions, their replies on the whole were not what the delegates expected. He suggested that the Commissioners allow the matter to be considered by a Board of Arbitrators, for as things were at present the Commissioners held the position of Judge and Jury. In conclusion he urged the Commissioners to agree to the suggestion, and save the country the coat of extreme measures. Mr Owen reminded the Commissioners that the Executive had three of the largest labour bodies in New Zealand at their backs, and it' tbe delegates dared to agree to the Commissioners' offer of sixty hours per week they would be looked upon m backsliders. Mr Winter eaid that the Railway Employees' Society was a union body, and claimed to be recognised as such. If they accepted the Commissioners' propositions they would be acting in direct opposition to all the labour organisations. Perhaps the Commissioners thought the Executive were afraid to adopt extreme measures, but he could assure them that if the demand for eight hours per clay or forty-eight per week wero not granted, active ttep3 would bo tal^en at oncel' The Executive would be urged on and supported by that powerful body, the Maritime Council. Mr JM'Kerrow protested that the Commissioners were entirely in accord with the eight hours system, but they bad discriminated between eight hours' continuous aud eight hours' intermittent labour. Ho was pleased that the delegates had expressed themselves bo freely, but he mußt remind them that the Commig«ionera had been entrusted by the country with the control of this great property, and ho did not; think they could accept the responsibility of adding so much to the taxation of the country ; and that was really what the demands of the Executive amounted to. The Commissioners could not go further than they had mentioned in their replies, and the concessions which they had already made would add several thousands to the expenditure of the country. He considered that the Commissioners had gone a long way towards meeting the Executive, and he thought that the members of that body, as reasonable men, would be able to see the great difference between continuous and intermittent labour. Mr Hoban : Then you absolutely decline to allow this eight hours per day, or fortyeiprhb per week, intermittent work ? Mr M'Kerrow : Certainly. Mr Hoban : And will you agree to refer the question to arbitration ? Mr M'Kerrow : I think not. We have the responsibility and duty of managing the railways, and I think to refer the matter to arbitration would be to shirk our duty. The settlers are now crying out for a reduction in freights, and I really do not see that we can fall in with all your suggestions. We have been trying to hold the balance between our employees and the ■ settlers as fairly as possible. Mr Hoban pointed out that it was the employees who were in a great degree entitled to credit for the large surplus which waß shown last year. After further discussion, Mr Hoban said the Commissioners would f have to take the conceqnences of their | action, for he (Mr Hoban) had no doubt I what the next step of the Executive would be. In fact, everything had been arranged, I and they would soon be able to judge j whether the Commissioners could stand the expense of blocking the trade of the country. Mr Owen said he deplored such a step, but at present he saw no way of avoiding it. Mr Hoban : Finally, are we to understand that you refuse to agree to arbij tration P Mr M'Kerrow : But I explained that it was beyond our power to do so. We ourselves are the arbitrators. We have been appointed by Parliament, and if there are to be other arbitrators, Parliament must appoint them. Even if the arbitrators decided against you, you have a threat of extreme measures in your pockets. Mr Hoban : Pardon me. I say, submit the question to arbitration, and if the arbitrators decide that ten hours' work on j the part of the men is compatible with the .; interests of the Colony we will stand by { their decision. Mr Winter remarked that in the whole ! House he did not believe there were three men who would oppose an extra grant for the railways if it were needed. Mr Owen remarked that ten hours was so much ahead of the number of working hours in the Colony, that he was surprised at the Commissioners insisting on it. Even at Home the ten hours system was being swept away. Mr Hoban : Well, it is just a question of who will last longest, for the men are determined to fight to the bitter end. Further discussion took place on the piecework system and the employment of cadets, and ultimately the Commissioners fell in with the propositions advanced by the Executive on both these questions. Mr Hoban then said he presumed the whole programme of the Executive had been adopted with the exception of the hours of labour, J Mr M'Kerrow said that was so. Mr Hoban regretted that, after such a pleasant interview, the delegates Bhould leave in part hostile to the Commissioners. Mr M'Kerrow thought "hostile" waß scarcely an applicable term, for, after all, lit was merely a difference of opinion regarding the hours of labour. Mr Winter was very anxious that the matter should be arranged amicably, for they were not desirous of returning to Christchurch with an unfavourable report. j The delegates were now willing to meet the i Commissioners half-way, and would be agreeable to fifty-four hours per week, inclusive of the concessions already mentioned. Mr Owen strongly urged the Commissioners to accept this latter proposal, for the Executive did not wish to adopt extreme measures except as a last resource. He implored the Commissioners to agree to fifty-four hours, and thus refrain from ; driving, the men out on etrike. Mr M'Kerrow said the Commissioners would require a few days to consider the matter, and calculate what effect it would have on the railway finances. He might be prepared with a reply on Wednesday. The delegates said in that case they would remain in Wellington to receive the reply, for they had determined not to return to Christchurch with a hostile report until every prospect of an amicable settlement had fled. ! The Conference adjourned at 4.50. It was the intention of the delegates to leave by to-morrow's steamer, but the turn i affairs have taken has necessitated an alteration in their plans. The surface of the Forth Bridge re- ! quiring to be kept painted is estimated to . be no less than twenty acres.