DOMINION LOCOMOTIVE ASSOCIATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11000, 12 February 1914, Page 8

DOMINION LOCOMOTIVE ASSOCIATION.

:;;;:/'-ANNUAL CONFERENCE.- ". :".,The" : fourth '.Dominion' Conference of "the men r.and...Cleaners' Association ,• opened yeste'rday.'iii'the Trades "Hall.; presentMessrs S. •.Kennedy (chairman),,T; .Henderson (vice-chairman), W. • M'Arley (general secretary), Wiles, Denz, Pepperill, Craies (North Island), Walker, Brown,. Rowe. and Henderson (South Island).; ';• _ _■' : -.','-■_' Mr Kennedy,. in his presidential report, the steady progress of* the Association-, and the 'healthy interest manifested in its concerns generally. The membership was now in the vicinity of'l6oo, practically representing Do dot cent of the workmen engaged in the locomotive' section of the Railway service. ...

The general secretary's.'-report was adopted, and disclosed a wholesome financial position. .... The attitude of' the Railway 'Department in" agreeing to many of. the previous .solicitations of the Association, and failing to apply theni caused much complaint, and the .Grand.Council- intend to make strong representations' regardiug /the mariner of-dealing withthe usiness of, the organisation. The men who superintend the application of the motive power on the railways are .endeavouring to "-promote better conditions, to .conserve the high -standard of safety so. long established in tlve dominion, and they are arranging overtures to the Department whereby the environs of their:work will he so adjusted as to include no feature that may ultimately contribute to .disaster. r . The Grand Council wilj/deal with the constitution of the organisation, and will endeavour ib maintain its utility 1 - at its highest industrial efficiency. The deliberations of the Grand Council will' be submitted to the. Department, arid its reply will again be considered. " . ■ .. , The Association controls the largest eick benefit fund of its kind operating in the dominion, and this institution, solely supported by members' contributions, has relieved distress far aud wide, and the auditors' report as brought down indicates its increasing prosperity.