RAILWAYMEN MEET

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 65, 17 March 1936, Page 9

RAILWAYMEN MEET

A.S.R.S. GOLDTN JUBILEE A HAPPY GATHERING The golden jubilee of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants was fittingly observed by the Wanganui bran'ch of the society on Saturday night, when a smoke concert was held in the Railway Hall. The function was attended by the Mayor of Wanganui (Mr W. J. Rogers) and Mr J. B. Cott erill, M.P. for Wanganui, and was most successful. An apology for absence and a special message was read from the Minister of Railways, the Hon. D. G., Sullivan. This message is reported elscwhe:e in this issue. An apology was also received from Mr Ormond Wilson, M.P. for Rai.gitikei. The gathering was presided over by Air Kerr, president of the Wanganui branch of the A.S.R.S. He extended a welcome to the guests of honour and visitors, and said the golden jubilee was a notable event in the history of the society. In proposing the “Golden Jubilee of the A.5.R.5.,” the Mayor, Mr Rogers, said he felt honoured in being asked to propose the toast of the golden jubilee of the A.S.R.S. He congratulated the society on the attainment of its fiftieth birthday, which was an important epoch. During those years the society had achieved much for its members, in better working conditions, hours, and wages. He urged a continuation of loyalty to the officers of the society, and said that the coming years would see a greater advance for the benefit of the railway workers. (Applause). Railway Department Mr Loader proposed the toast of the “Railway Depaitment.” In responding, Mr IV. P. Miller (district traffic manager) referred to the progress of the railways and said they were the biggest transport concern in the country. He extended congratulations to the A.S.R.S. on its golden jubilee, and said it had a membership of 9000 out of a staff of 16.000. “Your society is the largest labour union in New Zealand,” he said. There was no slavery in the railway. The management respected the union and the union respected the management. In conclusion. he paid a tribute to the secretary of the Wanganui branch. Mr G. E. West wood. Mr T. Henry proposed the toast of “Parliament.” He made reference to the elevation to the Treasury Benches of the Labour Administration. He said that he had attended the recent •celebrations of the society held at Wellington. which had been most successful. and brought a message of goodwill from Mr G. H. Mackley to the members of the local branch. Major Improvements Mr J. B. Cottcrill, M.P., replying to the toast, said the late Government had delegated much of its power to boards. The Labour Government who now occupied Treasury Benches were against that policy and believed, and had always maintained, that the Government should control the affairs of the country. The present Administration had already gone a long way in altering the methods of the Coalition Government. “It is the intention of the present Government to do away with as many boards as possible,” said Mr Cottcrill. The speaker said that it was the hope of the Minister of Railways to do one or two major improvements this year. One was the establishment of a 40-hour week and the other was that the whole of the cuts made would be restored. (Applause). In Air Sullivan, the railways were very fortunate in having at its head a Minister whose administrative ability had been well demonstrated in Christchurch. *Mr Cottcrill said he had travelled to all the important railway centres lately, and it was good to find the spirit of co-operation that existed on all sides. Other toasts honoured were “Kindred Societies.” proposed by Air Walker, responded to by Alessrs Andrews (Eastown A.S.R.S.), J. Butt, (E.F. and C.A.), W. J. Feeney (R. 0.1. Ritchie (R.T.A.), Collins (Public Service Association), and W. Price (P. and T. Association). Air Price said that so far as the P. and T. Association were concerned regarding co-operation, the A.S.R.S. could be assured of its wholehearted support. This was in evidence at the recent conference held in Wellington between the various organisations. “The Press.” proposed by Air Westwood, and replied to by Press representatives. The final toast was superannuated members. During the evening the following contributed to an enjoyable programme: Messrs W. J. Shanks, F. Grubb, Lewis, Baird, and Shoulder. Humphries ’ orchestra was in attendance, and played I numerous items, and led the community singing. ________