STATEMENTS REFUTED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 137, 11 June 1937, Page 8

STATEMENTS REFUTED

UNREST AMONG RAILWAYMEN GENERAL MANAGER EXPLAINS [ Per Press Association. ] WELLINGTON, June 9. A declaration that the statements published at Auckland suggesting causes of unrest among railway employees were not made with the authority of the men’s responsible organisation was made by the general manager of railways, Mr. S. H. Mackey, to-day. He says there was a general understanding, formally confirmed by the Minister in communications addressed to the three organisations, representing the second division employees, that it was reasonable to allow the question of anomalities to remain in abeyance in view of the cost involved in a very substantial improvement in conditions and pay through introduction of a shorter working week. That had been agreed to by the second division on the understanding that the anomalities would be reviewed some time subsequent to April 1 and before next September, which would be twelve months’ after the introduction of the 40-hour week. Preliminary conferences were taking place and the discussions so far had proceeded in a most amicable manner.