•

4b,PANAIMV:v.

The Official Organ of The Victorian Locomotive Enginedrivers', Firemen's and Cleaners' Association. Registered at G.P.O., Melbourne, for transmission by Post as a Newspaper

Vol. 2, No. 5. MELBOURNE, MAY 31, 1919. Price, 2/- Per Annum, Post Free. THE Loco TAHEEATRE, /

Cleanliness Comfort Good Orchestra Perfect Pictures

Our Programs may be equalled but Cannot be Beaten.

UNITED. WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL. UNIONISTS, you know in hat the above means. Whether you are in the Railway Service or any other calling, UNIONISM and all it stands for de-serves your UNITED SUPPORT. If you do not give it, then you are helping the other side and all it stands for, i.e., Cheap Labour and Sweated Conditions. The Theati ical Employees' Association have fought hard in the Arbitration Court for what it has got, help them to keep it. Nevet in the history- of Australia has the necessity for Unity been greater. So pass the word to the boys and your families to Support The Loco.

PROGRAMME CHANGED TWICE WEEKLY.

Victoria Street, NORTH MELBOURNE 54 THE FOOTPLATE. May 31, 1919.

There can be no doubt that the as laid down in clause 60 of Reg. fact that certain rri.en can and do earn 64, it certainly is not within its Nontplair. large amounts each month during spirit, for it says: " Every enginman busy seasons militates against the " shall be eligible for relief after " They are slaves who will not dare rest receiving reasonable rates of " he has been eight hours on duty, All wrongs to right, pay and working conditions. ." and every engineman who has been All rights to share." We have been told time and again " on duty for a period of tvvelve " hpurs shall 146XXXXXRga9MAWFORMY(63atRWXRWPREO thatthe Department desires to dis- be relieved as soon as couY—age the, working of ove, time, a, id " possible after he makes application discountenances it,' but the Depart- " to the officer in charge." MANAGERIAL NOTES. mental time-books must carry some The number of cases where men remarkable evidence that the "kings" woik over twelve hours are great (some have risen to the rank although Cie Department claims that " The of Footplate " is published ''emperors") still reign and prosper. an improvement has heen effected: monthly. but the number of shifts worked All Branch Secretaries and Execu- The "adjustment" sheets at var- ious places carry undeniable docu- each illy of ten hours upwards to tive officers are empowered to act twelve, indicate that the Eight-Hour as agents for this journat Hand mentary evidence of the fact, and an investigation, if conducted with principle is receiving yery little con- your contributions, name and address the .ideration from the overtime "king,s" to them. We do the rest. object of seeing how it ig done, and who it is done by, would disclose and none at all from the Department. All matter intended for publication the fact that The fact that it cost more to send to be certain men ..et the sent to the Editor, Mr. A. S. overtime pretty well all thé year out a crew to relieve than it does Drakeford, and should be addressed 'round, to the disadvantage to pay- the meal allowance of Is. 6d. to Editor, " Footplate," Loco. Hall, of junior men waiting for promotion, and very seems to carry more weight than Victoria-street, West Melbourne. often to their own ultimate disad- does proper consideration for the Phone, Central 10235. vantage from a health standpoint, welfare of the Engineman, and it Correspondents must attach their cases being within the knowledge demonstrates as nothing else could names and addresses, not necessarily of many where men who sought for do the dire necessity for payment for publication. No matter of a per- overtime and worked it, when broken of a stringent penalty- rate for all sonal character will be published. down in health, eventully becoming work over eight hours in any day, so Literary.—To ensure publisation, recipients of charitable assistance that the Departmental officers will contributions must be in not later f oni their less covetous comrades. find it more economical to sen(I than the 19th of each month. Branch An investigation should be made, than withhold relièf, and more eager reports should be in the hands of with representatives of the Associa- to see that the crew concerned Editor as soon as possible after the tion present, into this problem, and should apply for it in time for it monthly meeting. Write on one side it safe to say that if a stop is put to be sent. of paper only. to the working of overtime then, the The fact that some men can and Subscribers should see that " The prospects of long-delayed promotion do work long hours and turn up for Footplate" is sent to their private due to the construction of larger duty without sufficient rest as well address, and not to loco. sheds. Sub- enginei (A2's and C1's) and the adop- as work days on which they are scribers will be held responsible for tion of electrification, would not be booked off duty, proves nothing but any failure or delivery due to change the "bug-bear" it now is for many that in order to get the best results of address. They should notrv Postal livith years of service ahead. from all men, this state of Depart- authorities of any altered address, It would be of no use taking the mental indifference, as well as the and forward same also to their total time worked and dividing it abnormally greedy man must be held Branch Secretary. by the number of men employed, in eheck by preventative 'measures. for there are some men who never A good deal more concern for the welfare of the Engineman IfIVAVIMVIMCIM,1,1f4if4tf°,,VX011M V work overtime, and others who can- could be not manage to work full time, and, shown by the Department in many unfortunately, a percentage off sick. ways, but if the best is to be made Let the tizne worke'd over and above of the efficiency which is said to EDITORIAL. eight hours per day by each man have been reached in Victoria, de- at work each day be calculated for spite the disadvantages under which 1918, for example, and the result its Locomotive men labor, then it THE EIGHT HOURS PiONCIPLE is necessary to provide means where- IGNORED. will conclusively show that many men in eaph of the grades of the by they can live nAtural and health- service were deprived of rightful pro- 'ful lives, receive rates of pay com- The Locomotive Enginemen of this motion. mensurate with their responsibilities State fought for years for an eight- This would be bad enough any- and emove from their ba,cks the hour working day, and were denied where, tut under the Victorian op- burden imposed in 1903, which is it for years after most other pressive system of classifying. the only scientific inasmuch as it suc- branches of the service had had it work it is an injustice that should ceeds in enabling the Department to applied to them. not be tolerated, and it is up to the get the work from whiqb it derives It was Sir Thomas Bent who said Department which insists on the re- its greatest revenue done at cheaper that the Enginemen did not want an tention of a system which could rates of pay, and under worse work- eight-hour day so much as payment only be imposed upon men who were i'ng conditions than any other part on t hat basis, and as much work as di organised by an unsuccessful of Australia. theiy could get, and while this was strike forced upon them by political —o-- entirely wrong in the main, there tyranny, to make some practical ef- MI'. W. Smith was elected General is no doubt, unfortunately, that it fort to put a stop to it and it is Secretary of the Victorian Railways was true of a small section of the up to the men to assist in that direc- Union by the recent Conference. men who have been and apparently tion. His experience and knowledge, always will be the "overtime kings" Owing to the absence of penalty ga. ined as an organiser both of the of the Loco. Branch. IThat that tyre of rates for overtime, in which respect Painters' Union and the V.R.U., as man is not wanting in other branches again Victoria stands almost alone, well as his political campaigning, of the- service does not make our wires for relief are not given serious stand him in good stead. " The position any better, and it requires consideration 'by many foremen un- Footplate " congratulates Comrade a strong effort, and a concerted one, less over twelve hours on duty, is Smith upon his appointment, and to keep them, few as they are, from practically assured, which, while it Welcomes him into the Railway In- discrediting the movement generally. may be within the letter of the law dustrial arena. 55 May 31, 1919. THE FOOTPLATE.

in the next Federal Parliament, and MINA V ttf ittt steTI;V itf WAN; 11 natively to make the Bill for the creation of the Board the first mea- it is up to the workers to use the sure to be put through Parlia- political powers which they possess ment wrien it meets, its decisions to bring about its prcisperity and MONTH BY MONTH. to be made operative from May their own industrial emancipation. 14th, the Board's decision to be final THE AMERICAN BROTHERHOODS. AN INDEPENDENT BOARD IN and conclusive, any differences as SIGHT. to interpretation of award to be re- American railroad men employed rapid develop- the Board for decision. in train-running have made a further Since April issue ferred back to definite " advance ments have taken place in connection The continued upward tendency of in rates of pay of Arbitra- costs is making the lot of the a substantial character, which is a with the Wages Board or living great and tion Court, for which we have been men on the basic wage a misery, but lasting advertisement for better to wait even the splendid form of organisation waiting so long, and it would seem it would be which they as if the thing is at last in under the oppressive conditions ex- have developed. It has real been used with good judgment siodit„ after years of patient and isting a little while for a decision and be more likely to give excellent results in securing for constitutional" agitation. In the that would them and daily press of the 14th May appear- general satisfaction than to labor their fellow railway em- an award given by a Board ployees lasting advantages, and it is ed the announcement that the Law- under safe to say that son Government had decided to ap- that has h ad a "freak" existence, the prestige of the unnatural death at the hands four great brotherhoods of running ply wages board rates of pay to died an men bring of its creators and refused to be re- never stood higher than at artisans in . the service, and present. The following down a bill to put before Parlia- incarnated by a Government which cable ap- made political expediency serve the peared in ah out-of-the-way corner ment, with the object of providing of the "Herald" of for an independent chairman for the purpo3e of an excuse for murdering April 19th, but was in cold blood its deformed industrial denied publicity in the " Age " and I3oard, in fulfilment of its promise "Argus,' the the end of last ses- child. latter being so busily made towards _ . 0.g engaged in finding a suitable foreign sion. It is gratifying news, and Chief Commissioner though the decision is a 'tardy one, THE \YORKERS' TROUBLES. and criticising The trials and troubles of the the local ones, and the former think- it is none the less welcome, and the ing about telling railway workers generally will ap- workers have been added to during the public how to the war in a way that has been make the railways pay while there is preciate the action *decided upon, no from whatever motives it has arisen. almost unbearable, and the fact t.hat Royal Commissioner about to the armistice has been signed for make them substantiate their ex- The logic of industrial events all travagant statements the many months seems to have brought on oath that world over would undoubtedly they failed to find room have forced the issue upon the Gov- no sign of relief in the future, which for anything shows how reluctant are the ruling that might mean justice to the em- ernment when the House assernbled ployees, and in July, classes to let go their hold secured perhaps, incidentally, and we believe that Par- increased working expenses liament would have compelled it to at a moment when the great body of and workers was so distracted by care- freights and fares. The cable read /Jaye at once granted what should as follows:— have never been withheld. fully-planned dividing issues as to be unable to do justice to itself. It Herald, April 19th, 1919. The main question now at issue is: "Washington, What will be is safe to say that the grip will not April llth.—Orders the powers of the have been issued by the United Board? When the proposal was be- be relaxed voluntarily, but the means to remove it are almost with- States Government that advances fore Parliament in December last, in wages be given to engineers, a gtatement of the joint views of in reach and members are advised to see that their names are on both the firemen, trainmen and conductors the V.R.U. and our own organisa- aggregating i12,000,000. tion was Federal and State rolls, so that when This sum sent to the Premier and will be divided among 400,000 em- his Ministers and afterwards circu- the time comes they will be in a position to strike a blow for politi- ployees." lated amongst the members of Par- The Brotherhoods, while always liament generally, and they have cal progress followed by an era of industrial freedom and activity such acting separately when dealing with since been amplified and forwarded matters concerning themselves, act to the Premier and Afinister for as can only be achieved by having proper representation in the place co-operatively on matters of common Railm ays. A deputation has been interest, and the securing asked for, but up to the time of where legislative action can place of a 17i those things within easy and peace- per cent. increase all round in 1916, writing no reply has been received an eight hours day with to our request. ful reaeh. Do not stop at seeing the same that your own name is on the roll, rate of pay as previously given for EQUALITY OF TREATMENT 'DE- but see that every worker you know, ten in 1917, with this additional in- SIRED. male or female, does likewise, so crease of i12,000,000 amongst 400,000 It would under the circumstances that you can make the ballot take men averaging f30 per man after the be most unsatisfactory if the Rail- the place of the bullet in removing war has ended, speaks volumes for way Classification Board was called those from office vvho are responsible their policy and the way in which it. upon to decide the basic wage and for the present appalling state of is carried into effect by the Brother- other rates of pay, as the Govern- misgovernment. hood form of organisation. ment have admitted the principle of It is safe to predict that those who arbitration by applying wages board have been oppress,ed with increased "CONCERTED" WAGE MOVEMENT. rates to the employe'es of the Gov- living costs and a Government which ernment Printing Office, and to has made no real effort to prevent Since the Brotherhood of Locomo- tradesmen employed in the Railway spoilation or provide relief will be tive Firemen and Enginemen initi- service, and if the rest of the ser- ready for the opportunity which will ated what is now known as concerted vice were asked to work under present itself, but they should also wage movements, great progress has awards given by a board that was take care to secure a voice in the been made in. improving wages and not independent, it would cause un- selection of the men who are to re- conditions and the see-sawing results ending dissatisfaction and strife. present them, and this can best be which were inevitable under the old The Government will be asked to done by- becoming members of the methot (and are inevitable here in appoint an independent chairman to Labour leagues in the district in Australia until our Federation is the R.C.B. bY administrative act, to which they reside. made a live body capable of negoti- be afterwards ratified by Act of Par- The fate of Australia for many ating for and controlling the wage liament, and allow it to commence years to come will be determined movements in the interests of the work as soon as possible, or alter- largely by the men, who represent it enginemen of Australia) are done.

56 THE FOOTPLATE. May 31, 1919.

away witn. The various parts of istence at North Melbourne have future. It is America and Canada covered by the been done the intention of tlae away with in the effort to Department to make provision membership of the B. of L.F. and E. achieve economy and until an equit- for a are certificate to be supplied that a divided up into districts, and the able basis for settling the "avail- meal rate agreed upon is paid has actually been purchased in the on all the able" time at North Melbourne is case of "roads' (companies) in that district. yard pilots, local goods trains reached so that relief can be pro- or trains At one time one road would pay and vided passing through home and long hours prevented, dis- stations during the the next would not, but now the in- satisfaction will prevail. period of ten flaence of the roads that hours before a meal allowance is are willing paid. As to pay a *stir thing is thrown into LOCO. MEN NOT the wording of the pro- MACHINES. posed clause the scale for the men, as no com- The Department, like other em- is not yet in our pos- pany desires to see its road held up ployers elsewhere, will sesion, it is not possible to criticise have to re- it lfecause some other company is prac- cognise that enginemen are human in an intelligent way, but at first tically "scabbing" upon the agreed beings as well as a means for keep- glance• it would appear to be ridicu- upon rates of pay. Here ing the wheels going lous to ask a man to furnish a cer- in Australia round and until tificate we have the spectacle of one State, that is forced upon its officers by for a meal purchased, say, on the a suburban with but little regard for the re- men themselves refusing to work train which stops at his sponsible work of its locomotive under unreasonable conditions, when home station twenty seconds, as is men, paying inferior vrages it can be avoided, and the case with North Melbourne sub- or so personally re- urban kedging round its higher porting all instances where they men. rates of pay have The as to make it practically impossible themselves been unable to prevent facts are that on many trains fer the majority of men te it, we cannot hope for, and it is impossible to purchase a meal, reach need not but the them. expect, a permanent remedy. allowance should be paid as It is safe to say here that were Wrapped up in the provision of compensation for the loss of the op- ' portunity this State dealing with an Australian that remedy by the Department Is to obtain a proper meal at Brotherhood organised on American the question of the three hours aver- reasonable interval, and for the fact lines it would have to reckon with age allowed for cleaning, which does that in nearly all cases a special meal has the influence of the States which not allow sufficient margin of men to be prepared for men running were granting a fair to prevent long hours being worked, trains who are on duty ten hours or deal to their over, engisemen in order to prevent as well as the making of a thus involving additional ex- a number penditure on general conflagration. There are of junior drivers, and these things the household. other ieatures in the are continually being pressed. - Brotherhood SEEING THE "SHEET" organisation that we would do Drivers are asked to assist in AND NOT well this BEING PAID FOR te emulate and apply, which lack of direetion by booking engines for IT. space prevents us dealing with here, cleaning when they are in an un- The question of men being called but until we wake up to the neces- reasonable conditions, hating in mind upon to come back at all depots to sity for an Australia-wide Brother- the fact that at the present time one peruse the running-sheet as well as hood moulded to suit Australian of the greatest causes of increased the delay in having same posted at conditions to protect our interests living expenditure for enginemen is some places has been the subject of and to figkt for our rights, we can- the high price of clothing, coupled continuous attention, and the follow- not hope for real progress on the with their rapid destruction caused ing letter has been received from industrial iron road. by the filthy conditions imposed the C.M.E. with regard to the former through lack of stores, insufficient item:— BAD WORKING CONDITIONS equipment -for and cleaning of Victorian Railways. A.T NORTH MELBOURNE. engines. It is op to the members to Chief Mechanical Engineer's Office, The working conditions prevailing assist the Association in the fight to 'Melbourne, llth April, 1919. at North Melbourne for some time make the job on which they have to Dear Sir,— past have been very unsatisfactory, work cleaner and better. With reference to representation-, long hours and excessive night work As a result' of long continued re- made by your Association relative to by the men 014 the goods roster presentations, the Department has the practice of requiring engine- bein,g the chief cause of complaint. definitely decided to examine a num- men on regular -roster jobs to peruse Representations were persistently ber of senior engine-drivers for the the running-sheet daily, I have to made to the loco. officitls and to Mr. position of loco. foreman, and inform you that the matter has beon Shannon, then C.M.E., without pro- although the number to be examined, investigated, and it is considered dncing any tangible results, and Mr. or a date for the examination has that the duty of an engineman living. A. E. Smith was seen immediately not yet been definitely fixed, senior out of bounds is to ascertain from upon taking up the position vacated men desirous of undergoing examina- the sheet clerk before leaving duty by Mr. Shannon, and as a result a tion, who will be eligible, should take whether he is on his regular run for clerical official from the Staff Office advantage of the optiortunity the following day, and if he neglects was sent down to investigate. To afforded in the interim to pursue to do this he should peruse the run- tlais exception was taken, as it was their studies. It is the hope of the ning-sheet when posted to ascertain desired to have a man who under- Association that men who are pro- his allotted job for the following stood the conditions frorn an engine- moted from the drivers' positions to day. This does not concern men who man's standpoint to investigate our loco. foremen as a result of its efforts live within bounds, as they are called complaint. will endeavour to secure a fair deal for duty. The As a result of our continued de- for the men under them. No more proposal to make out two mands, the matter is now receiving nor less than that has been asked sheets is impracticahle, as the the attention a for, but it has not always been given orders received govern the setting the Staff Office, the of the lOco. running room and the shed by any means. work, and if the compilation of the sheet were attempted dissatis- officials, and it is expected that a MEALS AND report from those three CERTIFICATES. faction amongst the men, consequent sources will The question of the clause in shortly be submitted tha,t will be the regu- on their being booked out of the 1iasis lation 64 governing payment of meal proper seniority order, would re- of certain ,recommendations expenses being interpreted differ- that should both in the sult. interests of ently in the various branches of the the Department and the men, put an Notification of men living out of Department has been engaging con- bounds would involve too end to the continuous cause for jus- siderable heavy an attention for over twelve expense, as they live in the tifiable complaint. The chief source of months, and outer it has now been decided suburbs, and ride to and from work. the tt o...13-6 lies in the fact that as a re- that the clanse sult of pressure from the will be applied to Fours faithfully, Staff Office both transportation and rolling stock the' available, crews previously in ex- (Sgd.) W. M. SHANNON, employees in the same way in the - Chief Mechanical Engineer. May 31, 1919. THE FOOTPLATE. 57

The answer is by no means satis- 5C2fIVEMVP.InelIMML03VItrstt44te4r3V4ttEntill distance of attainment with the e factory, if the exigencies of the train machinery now available. a service prevent the Department from How a man or woman can be con- Ll telling the men at knock-off time OPEN PAGE. sidered to be bound by industrial or e what they are doing for their next political chains in a country where day's work, then the Department we have adult suffrage and the e should either notify the men at their (The views expressed by corres- workers number well over 70 per own homes or pay them for the time pondents are not necessarily the views cent. of the population I confess I lost in attending to see the running- of " The Footplate," and it accepts am unable to understand. They can, sheet. No other course is fair or no responsibility for them. They are and should, take possession of the equitable, and no workman should published to give the opportunity to Legislatures and make such indus- be called upon to give up his own members to voice and exchange trial laws as will make for the im- et time for the Department without views on matters of interest to mem- provement of the body politic. The payment, and particularly that part bers within reasonable limits.) fact that they have so far failed to of his time that is needed (as in the do so indicates, to my mind, not that case of men who are on night duty) THE 0.B.U. it cannot be done, but that they are for rest, to enable him to be fit for not yet ready to take advantage of his work next day. Dear Editor,—It is interesting to and control the powers within their find that my letter published in the reach. In Queensland they are either FINANCE 'SATISFACTORY. December issue of "The Footplate" better educated in industrial and S has attained the object I had in view, political matters or are more fortu- The balance sheet for 1918' was that of stimulating discussion and nate in their choice of leaders; but forwarded to all branches for last criticism for or against for -whatever reason, month's meeting for the information the 0.B.U. Queensland de- movement. In doing so I did not monstrates beyond question that of financial members. A satisfactory pose as an authority, neither did I political and state of affairs is disclosed, being industrial action work- by the express an opinion, further than to ing hand in hand, can and does bring favourably commented upon say that auditors and many of the branches. I, with others, would re- benefit to the working classes, and quire further information before with the same class of men and the The branches generally showed im- castin& away the substance for the same opportunity in the Federal provement, even those low down on shadow. "C.J.F." credits me with arena it should be possible to achieve the list showing an upward iendency, "one valuable suggestion," and fur- as much practical good. If the which it is hoped by the executive ther that my writings are vague. necessary propaganda and enthusi- will continue during 1919. The work Permit me to say that he has thrown asm was put into the movement as of the Association is steadily grow- no light on the subject. Likewise, it exists at present it should be pos- ing, the number of cases affecting W. Lewis, in his lengthy criticism of sible with the existing machinery, individual members as well as the daily papers, and the Employers with perhaps a better understanding branch business showing a steady Federation, including Mr. Keep, ad- between the different craft unions increase, making it difficult to get vances no argument of his own, and in allied trades, to go far, if not the through the business at the regular as there are many unionists who, like whole way, in remedying many of executive meetings, necessitating myself, have not sufficient data on our troubles.. Mr. W. Lewis, in his sacrifice of time by members of the which to form an opinion, I would double-barrelled letter in March and executive frequent and imperative. ask the direct question: By what April issues of "The Footplate," is means are they, through One Big good enough to dismiss my letter In this respect individual members Union, going to ac'complish anything which opened up the controversy can give valuable assistance by only that craft unions have failed to do? in December with a mere reference forwarding on to the Association "C.J.F." is right when he says I ap- to my ignorance. I do not claim matters which they have been unable pear to have doubts as to the practi- expert knowledge in industrial mat- to get satisfactorily settled them- bility of the 0.B.U. scheme, and so ters, but am always willing to learn, selves. It is recognised, however, have others who have read its ob- which was my main object in setting that under the existing system of jects, which is the foundation upon the 13411 rolling. I regret, that so dealing with grievances we can which the 0.B.U. is to build. I, with far as I am concerned, Mr. Lewis only hope for amelioration rather many others, wish to see unionists has not been able to throw any new than remedy. Members should lose progress on sound lines. I am no- light on the ' subject, most of the no opportunity of urging upon their believer in a policy of splendid isola- arguments he has used have already local parliamentary representatives tion, and am willing to consider any been well worn in daily papers, and the necessity for having the Federal and every proposal put forward that it is safe to say that if we have to Constitution altered to give the right will enable the worker to receive a wait as long for the 0.B.U. to. to railway employees to come under true reward for his labour, and the materialise as it requires space for the provisions of the Arbitration and undoubted benefits that would come W. Lewis to set out his arguments, Conciliation Act. To this end, it by closer relationship with all then we are not likely to break our would seem to be well worthy of the branches of unionism, but to bring chains during 1920. consideration of members the advisa- that about, and improve the lot of F.B. bility or otherwise making provision the workers generally, in my opinion in our rules for us taking an active cannot be done, in the simple way Dear Sir,—In reply to "Defensor and effective part in a campaign in advocated by the champions of the Justicia," I wish to state that the that direction. While it might in- 0.B.U. whole of the points raised by him crease the cost of getting our rates I cannot agree that there is any against the 0.B.U. were dealt with of pay and conditions of labour shadow of justification for the term in my original article, but as space is settled to some extent it would with- that the worker has nothing to lose limited in "The Footplate" I had to out doubt add to the pay and im- but his chains. However applicable eliminate a lot of matter. prove the conditions in such a way that may be in other parts of the However, as "Defensor Justicia" as would make whatever increased globe, it is completely out of place is evidently weak in his education cost was involved easily borne. A in Australia. The workers here have on economics, I would recommend board of reference or grievance com- a great deal to look forward to in the following books, which fully and mittee on which the Association is the shape of improved rates of pay irrefutably answer his arguments:— represented to meet at frequent in- and working conditions, and a "Fields, Factories and Workshops," tervals is necessary at the present proper share in the management and by Kropotkin ; " Socialism and time to deal promptly and effectively profits derived from the industries Superior Brains," by\ Shaw; "Ability withour many causes -for complaint, in which they are employed. I main- and Labour," by "Radix. and will be urged by the Executive. tain these are all within measurable W. LEWIS, 58 THE FOOTPLATE. May 31, 1919,

ing is on the wall," when men will BRANCH REPORTS. receive their promotion in their re- Answers to Correspondents spective districts. A hearty vote of ARARAT. thanks was carried by the meeting to The ordinary monthly meeting of them for their instructive and in- t•oo late; will appear the Ararat Branch was held in the teresting addresses. • next issue. The monthly drivers' room on Sunday, 10th May, rrieeting was held May 11th. The M.A.D.—"As 'tilers See Us," good; at 10.30 a.m., meeting adjourned will use if p•ossible next month. Comrade W. Todd in for five minutes course, the chair, and a good attendance of out of respect of the death of the •Arbitrattion.—We would, of late • pi;ler an Arbitration Court, but members. Several local grievances Mr. F. Hyett. Correspondence athe Federal Constitution will have were discussed, and are to be dealt frorn the General Secretary and the ...ate be altered to enable us to get with by deputation to the foreman newsletter were read and received. e•that Meanwhile we must make and D.R.S.S. Two items are being The attendance of Mr. T. Allen for the ebest :of the facilities we have sent on to the Executive, one in par- the first time since his return from ,gote or are going .eto get in. the ticular being shortage of cleaners, France—he having the distinction of near future.. . • which results in junier drivers hav- winning the M.M. to his .credit—a Box-on.—Beferred to ethe Fighting ing to be kept firing whilst senior hearty welcome was extended him - -Editor, who promptly :kneicked it men are making and being paid for by the meeting. . out. . overtime. The newsletter and. audi- Several matters of local interest W. Lewis.-11em re 'Victorian Lalaar tors' -report were read, and the mem- were dealt with, and an apology was iCollege will appear in next issue. bers were pleased to see the Ararat received from the Returned Soldiers' May Day item in_ this Branch was still one of the top- Association re a paragraph in one of Sho,k.—Such things are bound to notchers, with 100 per cent., although the local papers concerning the treat- happen at first, but will disappear at the present time there a few " hard ment of returned soldiers at Ballarat as the system gets into good work- heads," who are dodging the collec- East, lecc. sheds", which was d'eemed : ing order. tor heire the same as they did before -satisfactory. —o— they came to this branch. and it is to One of the items which has been A letter from D. E. Sheehan, one be hoped that in the near future the a sore point for years at Ballarat is time a member of the Central Queensland conditions will be in ope- the inability of the office Francisco, staff to in- Branch, 1101V !Mil,' at San ration, and these few- " nuts " will be form raen as to their the locomotive shift for the U.S.A., indicate; that found waiting for the collector in- following, day when signing off, to enginemea in Niankeeland are mak- ing rapid progress improving their stead of dodging him. enable them to regulate their hours of and their rates of pay. A 'minute was placed on the books rest. This should not be when men deploring the death of the late Gene- are liable to be called in the small L,..faaae., ral Sacrctary of the V.R.U., Mr. Frank hOurs of the morning, and the fore- Hycat, whose loss to the working class man will be seen on this matter, with Join the and railway men in particular is a a view to some improvement. very great cae, especially at the pre- A motion was passed expressing sent time, when the industrial develop- gratification for the strong financial LOCO SELF-DENIAL ments need such careful handling. At position of our Association, as dis- present we have two of our comrades closed in the auditors' report, and our off duty with influenza—Mr. J. Kin- thanks are due to the executive, offi- FUND. nane. Dress correspondent, and C. cers, and branch officers for the able a..e plea ;e.1 to hear that manner that they have carried out No Entrance Fee. both of theni a.re doing fairly well, their clutles.—F. Badenhope. and hope that they are soon able to take their places again on the foot- BENALLA. plale.—A. E. Finch. The ordinary meeting of the above Contributions, W. per Week was held on Sunday, 10th May, with BALLARAT. President A. Baker in the chair. The Benefits, £1 per Week Eight Hours Day was celebrated at attendance was fair. Nothing of a Ballarat on May 5th in perfect very important nature was dealt with, Death Levy, ls. per Member weather. Messrs. Drakeford and only local grievances to be got over. Clark visited Ballarat in' connection Item from Geelong Branch sup- Over BOO Members have joined with the care and erecting the ban- ported, and record placed on minute- this Fund. ner, of which there was a fine display hook. Get a Rule Book on joining. in the procession. But it is to be I arn pleased to say we have started Rules must be strictly COMf lied with. regretted that every year there is a a Self-denial Fund, and it Is meeting lesser number of unionists marching with every success. Also, our Instruc- behind their respective banners. • We. tion Class is being fairly well at- Do it Now and Help Yourself. are glad- to say that our rnen turned tended, there being an average attend- up in fair number, taking into- C011- ance of 12 per meeting. 1'. CROWLEY, Secretary, sideration that- railway men do not Members generally are pleased to 83. Chapman Street, North :Melbourne. have a holiday on that day. Taking see Comrades W. Pallamountagne and advantage of the presence of Messrs. A. Share (who was for some time a Drakeford and Clark in Ballarat, a prisOner of war in Germany) back special meeting was held on the 4th amengst them. . MIJIIRAY & CO., ESTATE AGENTS 1 to give members an opportunity of I regret • to say that the dreaded Gladstone House Buildings, meeting them. and an inspiring ad-, " flu " has , made its appearance in Victoria St., NTH. MELBOURNE dress was delivered by both our this district, there beinc, five members desire to announce that they have proper- worthy delegates. Mr. W. Clark off duty with it to date. • ties in North and West Melbourne for dwelt on. the great importance of keep- Wishing every success to our little sale which should suit railway men. Loans ing solidly together in all union prin- journal, "Tire Footplate."---E. for the purchase of a property can be ar- ciples, in vieW of the trying tinies ranged on easy terms. If you are shifted ahead. The General Secretary gave a away, Murray & Co. will collect your general review of the policy of our BENDIGO. entor sell-your house. Land and Income Association's past, present and future, The °Hillary meeting of the Branch -r ix returns prepared. and expressed the hope that the " writ- branch held here Sunday, May llth. I May 31, 1919. THE FOOTPLATE.

Attendance good, about I hirt a he- sington and Newmarket- pilots, the will be 100 per cent. Our press cor- ing present. Mr. Elder, depot. fore- necessity for members making their respondent (Mr. H. E. Megson), more man, addressed the meeting on wills, destination boards, discs, and familiarly known as " Mossy," is laid Economy," and urged the members fireirons will in future be placed on the on the repair list with the prevailing present to _endeavour to save coal and engines by the shed staffs. Engine- epidemic, therefore I am taking up oil. He was given a hearty vote of men please note. Purple shades were the effort on his behalf', and hope that thanks, and it was unanimously de- dealt with, and as purple is now a he will be able to speak for himself in cided to do our best in this respect; it danger signal, it is reasonable to sup- the next i,,sue.—W. J. Thompson, • is as Mr. Elder remarked, to our own pose that a driver would stop if he advantage, as well as that of the saw one approaching; on a train. department. The members of the de- KORUM13URRA. Discs at Altona, cranes on south side, The usual monthly meeting of above putation reported favourably on a and east yard were reported on. number of' local items. The question branch was held at 10.30 a.m. in Twenty drivers are to be made, and drivers' room on Sunday, May 11th, of ventilating the tunnel, or the "in- 20-25 drivers from first and second halation chamber," as one member with a poor attendance, caused, I hope, grades are to go for examination as by the unfavourable weather rather termed it, was again brought forward, driver foremen. We are to obtain a We intend to urge the department to than lack of interest in the Associa- new ruling re the 1/6 meal allowance. tion; Mr. G. Thompson in chair. The remedy this. as several running men We understand that in the case of here in Bendigo have doctor's certi- newsletter and half-yearly returns yard pilots,. where a meal is obtained. created favourable comment, espe- ficates -against going through these a docket will be necessary. Will places. Balloting names for holidays cially as we are among the 100 per drivers and firembn also attach the cent., trusting we will stay there 110'W, is again to take place, as this appears menu? The i•ost.ers, mixed, suburban the fairest way. Of course men are we having got rid of our unbeliever. and goods, as compiled 'by the head He has gone citywards, where there then at liberty to exchange with one office, were dealt with, and a motion another for places. may by chance persuade him to re- was unanimously carried asking that turn to the folds. But he's hard, I A committee was formed to provide they be held in abeyance until the means to make presentations to a can tell you. "Don't care if his mates mixed roster was improved. A num- all turn him down; won't pay!" and number of members about to retire. of items under general business made so ber only got £19/10/- back pay too. Splendid progress is being was sent on to the Executive. The far. ..klso secretary of ball (Mr. Bruce) Regret was expressed at the severe new discs are causing a lot of sar- toll of Central Branch members re- isa pleased with the way his work is knows what progressing.—W. H. Sheard. castic comment. No one cently by influenza, as we can ill- they are for, and nobod‘r ever heard afford to lose members nowadays. CE.NTRAL BRANCH. of anyone else being in the know. Most of them were well known by Report of special meeting, held on It kooks like another case of " T " members present, and they extend April, for the purpose of re- prickers, condemned tor the man for their deepest sympathy to all of the 27th blessing. scinding a motion relative to the whom they are intended as a relatives. It was decided to support goods roster, which was carried at the They must have cost a bit too, but Geelong's item for R.C. Board re al- previous ordinary meeting. After a there is no money available to provide lowance for junior drivers for holding lamp. In full afternoon's discusion, the rescind- the firemen with a slush certificate, as they should be utilised ing motion was defeated. Report of fact, we are unable to aet anything or recognised. Several local com- ordinary meeting held on llth inst. approaching a fair deal unless we are plaints-were dealt with, and the meet- Mr. Lewis sent an apology for non-at- continually fighting. Look at the ing closed at 1 p.m. tendance as chairman, and Mr. Gault stores now, two miserable (that's too Members Bromley and Datson-, laid in his place. Correspon- good a word) sponge cloths, a bit of aside with influenza, are about again, was elected the dence from the men at Mordialloc was soft soap to " soft soap " us with, and. with good fortune, will be in dealt with, and it was decided that former to last two months, and the harness again by the end of month. the men there be asked to suggest a soap one month. We never handle Trusting this dreadful scourge will -remedy. Same from Mr. Franklin, re waste, but get a docket for your meal. soon be at an end, and wishing the banking up of ashes on pit road, cow- We've got some bonza coal now; it's Footplate " sitecess.—H. Baarder. catchers on suburban engines, and all right to scour the handles of the into shortage of fireirons and slidehooks. kit with. The new rosters came operation to-day, and should be a MARYBOROUGH. Left in the hands of the branch offi- The ordinary meeting for May was re seeing decided improvement; as all the men cers. Same from ,C.M.E., held in the general waiting room on running sheet. Sent on to Executive will be on rosters, there should not be any inore complaints of favour- Sunday, llth. There was a large at- to obtain a more definite reply. It and Mr. R. Cornall occu- of sym- itism.—H. J. Higgs. tendance, was decided to forward letters pied the chair, a good portion of the pathy and condolence to relatives of GEELONG. meeting being taken up with the read- members who have died since last correspondence, newsletter, and branch has lost somt The ordinary meeting of the Gee- ing of meeting,. This auditors' reports, members being members with the " flu " epi- long Branch was held on Sunda-. 11th, sterling of mem- pleased with the financial state of the demic, at a time when good men are with the poorest attendance bers that has been seen at a meeting Association. A lengthy debate took badly wanted. Since my last report question of equalisation and W. A. Paul, for some considerable time, just one place on the Drs. F. Whitmore of time in the third grade at this J. Hennessey and J. Goss, and or two over the necessary quorum. Firemen weather con- depot, as second-grade men in a few Cleaners W. Keene and J. Prickett Perhaps the " flu " and rest from put- instances consider they should partici- have all passed away. Every one of ditions prevented the ting in an appearance.. It is up t, pate in the equalisation of time ac- thein was a white man. The balance- grade, althoUgh was the members in general to evince a cumulated in the third sheet of the Victorian Division is even a little ahead if Smith the senior little more interest in the manage- their time read and Mr. T. any. Debate occured on the question the best halal-lee- ment of their organisation, on this auditor, stated it was balance- of tlie new mixed rOster, which has in 14 years. The balance- Sunday in particular, as the sheet issued for 1918 were been approved of' by the C.M.E., and sheet of the Central Branch farewell sheet and statements These same statements show includes four pilots per week. This social, held last September, was also read. as to that the Association is en an up-grade roster was brought about so read. This showed a profit of' £6/8/10. sixth second-grade in wit'n read. The and we hope that the financial posi- plaee a The newsletter was then end of 1919 the '1••er rnen of that grade, and -it President reported re the South Ken- tion cf all branches at thr_ 60 THE FOOTPLATE. May 31, 1919.

was decided to draw up a petition, conditions generally bad. signed by It is only a were put off with other single men all third-grade enginemen, new practice, and we ought not have indefinitely while State in protest against the pilots being in- much trouble in mine was cluded in the getting it abolished. closed during the time the " flu " was mixed roster. The pro- Since last writing the influenza epi- test to be sent through the Executive. demic raging. It was rotten treatment to has broken out in Stawell, and men, especially to two good ones, With the introduction of southern coal several of our members and into this depot have been laid although they *ere willing to be more hard times are in aside for periods up to ten days, for- store for enginemen. It is to be hoped transferred elsewhere temporarily, tunately with, no more serious result nothing was done for them, that in the near future the department than loss of pay. The and even will Transportation single men can ill-afford to be idle be able to obtain sufficient ship- Branch have unfortunately lost two now. When ping to supply good coal to all en- mine started again they members from it this last week. resigned from railways and joined gines. The March branch report is A deputation has the causing a been appointed to miners, where they received their 13/9 little disturbance to the wait on D.R.S. Superintendent re state per shift. A minds of a few members, who are not of lighting few weeks ago Messrs. in shed. At present the Troy and Hobson, who were mates regular attenders of the meetings, but shed is in utter darkness, with to- the remarks are endorsed the ex- gether, contracted the " flu "; pleased by members ception of two lights near repair book, to say Mr. Troy is now who are regular attenders, and out of hospi- there and to walk around anywhere without tal, but poor Harry Hobson is still room for improvement. The a slush lamp is positively dangerous. has signed " flu " is here, off for the last time. The shed but only in a mild The excuse given is that supply of seemed very gloomy on form; a few of the members have May 6th, when lost lamp glasses has given out or can- news came that he a little time through it. There is not not be obtained.—J. Geaney. had passed away. much traffic in He was well liked, treated all the this depot at present, same, obliging to everyone, and it points to hard times in the near TRARALGON. and no future. Members who matter what work he was placed at have not paid The ordinary monthly meeting was he was considered first for " Footplate " are asked to see the held class. His in the drivers' room on Sunday, body was taken to Bendigo for collector and do so at their earliest. May llth. There was a burial, I hope that very poor at- and to his sorrowing mother and re- the " Footplate " will tendance. Some of our members, I latives goes continue to pay its way, and do think, the deep sympathy of all its must be afraid of catching the railway men in Wonthaggi. good work.—F. Chamberlain. " flu," which has broken out here at Things are anyhow here; all have last. We have a good number of our bitter complaints--long SEYMOUR. fellows off sick at hours, no re- present, so things lief, running past destination The monthly meeting was held in have been pretty brisk booked, the for. the ones no change-over trains from Melbourne usual place, a good attendance of at work. Great satisfaction is ex- end. members present. This branch ex- pressed here at Result—men running through efforts of the Asso- and resting, no change of clothes, the presses its sympathy to the wives and ciation in getting the allotment jobs families of working ones being in accordance with our comrades who have cut out, and we would ask all those filthy engines. How would passed away, and those who have been men on the office these jobs getting in exces- staff like it ? Sent to strange through the plague now so prevalent sive hours to wire places the depot for re- in dirty clothes, and " flu " raging? in the central and other branches. Up lief once a week, and give the junior to pow we Lack of management here and at have had no cases of the drivers a chance to get a bit of driv- Nyora is " pneumonic," but a number of the cause. Loco. men have cases ing. We have a couple of men in this slept long enough. of ordinary influenza and other ill- depot who would not The engines that average seven ran up here at Easter on the passenger ness. Three of our comrades—T. days' driving for the month. Brennan, V. Baker and W. were disgraceful—in bad state of re- Luke—we A special meeting was held about a pair and in are pleased to say, have made a good fortnight dirty, filthy condition—no ago, with the object of form- wonder! An undersized hammock recovery, and ai-e back at work again. ing an engine-working and class. There a piece of fat once a month in lieu of The Honour Board came in for a con- was a very fair attendance, and the siderable discussion, and waste, and rule books says keep bright finally it was members seemed enthusiastic about it. parts polished. left in the hands of the committee All we hope is that it will not be a formed to deal with that matter. The mine is held up again owing to flash in the pan, and die away like some " This branch also deplores the loss classes have miserables," who will not join here before. A class, be- the Union, and others who will not of so sterling a champion of the sides helping the man who is about pay UD. The miners always put it in workers as Mr. F. Hyett, not only to to go up for examination, keeps all his union, but to the cause of Labour men in hard. Pleased to see the balance-sheet touch With their work. We and auditors' report so satisfactory, generally in all the States of Aus- are going to link up with tralia. the V.R.I., but surely other branches can obtain and perhaps in the near future we the possible if they want Mr. P. Ballantine, late of Seymour, may be able to get a branch started to. The but now of Port Melbourne, and Miss auditors, Messrs. Smith and Preece, here. We have sufficient men here deserve credit for the F. McDonald, daughter of Comrade now if they would all become mem- way they do Donald their work. Luck to "Footplate."—H. McDonald, of Tallangatta, bers. I see by the papers that the J. Ashford. were joined in the holy bonds of matri- mechanics are to be paid the outside mony recently. We wish the roung rates, and we are to have an indepen• —o-- couple the best of luck.—J. S. dent chairman on the board. Well, Pearce. this is a step in the right The Locomotive men of New Zea- direction, land, by a 95.5 per cent. vote, and it is to be hoped that when the de- STAWELL. time comes cided to stop work rather than ac- our rep. will be able to cept the Our last monthly meeting, held Sun- convince the board of the meagre proposals put for- day, llth, many ano- ward for the amelioration of in drivers' room; a fair malies that exist at present.—A. C. their attendance present. Several items of Lewis. working conditions by their Minis- ter for Itfailways. The vote local importance were listed for de- --- and' putation to loco. foreman. Included their decision were presented to the WONTHAGGI. Minister by the amongst same was a protest against As no Association's repre- letter has appeared in " Foot- cutting A2 class engines in sentatives, and as we have not heard two at 'date" from this Branch owing to Mr. anything further, it is reasonable to Murtoa in the dark hours of the Troy having resigned, I will, until an- assume that a morning; no lights except slush lamps; real effort to improve other correspondent be appointed, fill matters was subsequently made by plenty of water and ashes in pit, and the gap. Mr. Troy and Mr. Hobson the Government. May 31, 1919. THE FOOTPLATE. 61

BECAUSE the Legislative Council re- 10001910/MVitfoittAVIttaft11)111/MVP.V.,Vilt:4 fuse to pass legislation to regulate the price of the people's foodstuffs. Legislative Council Elections. BECAUSE the Legislative Cola:lei] QUESTION BOX. has ever stood for the privileged few, as against the interest of the What are the exceptions to the THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 1919. masses. Other reforms rejected by rule that home signals must not be the Legislative Council:—Scaffold- passed at danger? SELECTED LABOUR CANDI- ing Inspection Bill, Alderman Answer.—(1) When defective, and DATES. Abolition Bill, Abolition of Compul- a hand-signalman at the signal post sory Vaccination Bill, Raising Jury instructs the driver to pass it, but Melbourne Provinee.—J. D. Pearson. Fees from 7/- to at least 10/- per if the signal protects facing or trail- Melbourne East Province.—D. L. day Bill, Local Govt. Act Amend- ing points then the driver must be ment Bill (to prevent a tenant from given a "caution order." (2) When McNAMARA, M.L.C. tffe signal is controlled by track Melbourne North Province.—W. J. being disfranchised where the land- cir- lord had not paid the rates); Re- cuit and not provided with a low- BECKETT, M.L.C. speed or calling-on signal, and a Melbourne North Province (late D. fused to tax their own class by re- the Super Income Tax Bill "competent employee" has been in- Melville's seat).—CR. E. KIER- jecting itructed by the signalman to pilot NAN. and Stamps Act, thus putting addi- i226,000 on the the driver up to a train or obstruc- Melbourne West Province. — JAS. tional taxation of tion in the section. (3) When DISNEY, M.L.C. general taxpayer. authorised by the pilotman during single-line working over an MELBOURNE PROVINCE includes If you desire to see the Labour Can- ob- Carlton, East Mel- structed double line. Carlton, North didates returned at the head of the What should be done if any defect bourne, Melbourne, West Melbou- poll on Election Day, then you must Parkville. be observed in the overhead elec- rne, and do something to assist. You can in- trical equipment, such as a dangling MELBOURNE EAST PROVINCE in- terview your mates at the shop or fac- wire? cludes Abbotsford, Collingwood, tory. Ask them if they are occupying Answer.—The engine crew must Fitzroy (south of Freeman-street) a house in the province, and, if so, z.trrange to stop their own train or and Richmond. their names will be on the roll. Point any other train that might come in MELBOURNE NORTH PROVINCE out to them the method of voting at contact with the detective 'part, and includes Moonee Ponds, Essendon, this election, call on the local secre- inform the nearest stationmaster or Brunswick, Preston, North- tary of A.L.P. for " Vote Thus " cards, slgnalman, who must arrange to Coburg, You will then have the current switched off. The cote, Fairfield, Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, and distribute same. have done something to secure the re- train must not proceed until the Clifton Hill and North Fitzroy It is driver has ascertained that it can do (north of Freeman-street). turn of the Labour Candidates. the duty of every Labourite and so with safety. MELBOURNE WEST PROVINCE Unionist to render some assistance in T.S.—Ijow long does it take to includes Ascot Vale, Flemington, this contest. charge an auxiliary reservoir? Kensington, Newmarket, North Mel- Members are reminded that on Answer.—If only one vehicle be .bourne, Footscray, Yarraville, Spots- Thursday next, the 5th June, they will attached to the engine then the wood, Newport, Williamstown, Sun- pump would be able to maintain a have an opportunity to infuse a little constant pressure of 70 lb. shine, Braybrook, Port Melbourne democratic blood into the stairnant in the and South Melbourne (part). • train pipe; under these conditions veins of our semi-somnolent Legisla- the auxiliary should charge up to entitled to vote at Legisla- tive Council by using their votes, their 70 lb. in 70 sec. But take the case Who are in the direction tive Couneil Elections ? All per- influence, and energy of a train of 75 vehicles running with are in occupation of a of securing for Cr. E. Kiernan the seat 60 lb. train pipe pressure. A 20 lb. sons who North Province, ren- house or land for which 7/6 per for 1VIelbourne appliation is made, thir reducing week rent •(or over) is paid. dered vacant by the death of Mr. D. the auxiliary reservoir pressure to Melville, and Melbourne seat for Mr. 40 lb. It will take the 8-inch pump METHOD OF VOTING.—Strike out J. D. Pearson. about 10 minutes to charge the the name of the candidate whom No doubt most of us would prefer auxiliary reservoirs up to 60 lbs. you do not wish to vote for, other- to see the Council (which wakes up again. wise your vote will be informal. when some democratic measure comes What causes an engine to steam for the badly? STEWART, along to get its boot ready ARCH. kicking-out process) wiped out of Answer.—Defective brick arch or Secretary A.L.P. existence. That day is coming. let us baffle plate, tubes blocked, firebars hope, soon, but meanwhile it is neces- not suitably spaced, blast pipe out SOME REASONS WHY YOU sary to have as many men as possible of alignment, or with oil deposit WORK FOR to stand up for such legislation of a caked on side of nozzle, nozzle too SHOULD VOTE AND high or too low, steam pipe or blast THE SELECTED LABOUR CAN- democratic character as threads its the Assembly, pipe joint leaking in smokebox, DIDATES. difficult way through smokebox door leaking, spark ar- BECAUSE members of the Legisla- and show the " boot-users " the neces- rester choked, incrustation of non- tive Council have ever been tire op- sity for recognising the rights of hu- conducting material on the water- ponents of legislation intended to manity as well as property. side of tubes and firebox, improper improve the conditions of the It is too much to hope, perhaps, that methods of firing or driving. When workers. Now is the opportunity to Labour should get a majority in the using the semi-bituminous coal now replace anti-Labourites with those Upper House on the present fran- being supplied it is well to observe of your own class. chise, but it can and should win some the "Red Book" instruction to -put BECAUSE the Legislative Council re- more seats, and it is our duty to get the coal on sufficiently long before fuse to give a vote to over 500,000 them if we can. Give a hand on elec- train time, to allow the fire to burn of Adult Citizens. tion day, and see that the candidates through." Defective piston rings or BECAUSE the Legislative Council re- named above are returned at the top valve rings will make the engine fuse to give a vote to all Returned of the poll. Hours of polling, 8 a.m. heavy on water, and therefore it Soldiers. to 7 p.m. may appear to steam badly. ' 62 T.HE FOOTPLATE. May 31, 1919.

thought he might shout me one at to the above Branch. Woodend. He then insinuated that President, General I had had too much beer the night Se.A.etarY." Early Days in the Victorian before, and so cante our first row. Designs intended to compete for lt was terrible cold after we left the prize must be in the hands of Woodend, and running tender first the General Secretary not later than Railways did not improve it. I slipped up to 31st August, and results will be an- (By George Brown.) the tool-box, and found a big lump nounced in the September issue, if ----1"..% of cotton waste. This I wrapped a decision is arrived at. The com- round nay neck and across my chest, petition is open only for financial I must now take a' retrospective and felt better. Fle said that was a niembers of the Association, and the view of what had transpired be- good idea, and for me to get him decision giveli will be final. tween 1861 and 1866, when I started some down. I told him there was Any further particulars will be engine cleaning. The engines of the no more there. He then said to give forwarded On application to the old Geelong and Melbourne Railway him part of what I bad. I said that General Secretary. Company had been laid aside in their I did not think there was enough, tilaisUMFAXXAIM,WWXXXXAWAWMINd-:* old loco. shed, Geelong. These and it was no use both of us being. engines had names instead of num- cold. Another row. When we got bers, viz., Tubal Cain, Hurricane, to Footscray Junction, he asked me OBITUARY. Samson, etc. To give an idea of how many whistles to give to get this class of engine, I think I can turned on to the Williamstown line. best do so by describing a trip I He said SEYMOUR, March 3, 1919.-1 re- I admitted I did not know. pen should had on one as a firemah. It occurred he expected as much, and it was not gret that my have to this way. One of these engines was likely I would ever know anything. report the death of Ex-member Char- purchased by the Government. It I pointed out that I knew how to ley Woodman. He was a member was numbered forty. What its pre- keep myself warm, anyhow. The of the Central Branch, and Seymour. vious name was I do not know. This signal-box was a very small affair The older members would remember engine was sent through from Mel- stuck up about fifty feet. The signal- him. He is the son of Chargeman bourne to Bendigo to be taken on man who turned us across was John A. Woodman, of this depot, who to Echtica to do the shunting in the yet, and is also is a member. Charley was a Cambel. He is alive in one of the big Canadian Echuca yard. Now, Loco. Foreman about ninety years ot age. He re- fireman E. Jackson at Bendigo—he always Canning-street, North Mel- companies. He left our railways to sides in he signed his name as Jackson, and it bourne. take up railway work or work he was used to, in Canada, and by the was some years afterwards that (Continued in next issue.) signed his proper name of Jacks, so paper cuttings and letters from the if I refer to him again I will just V.S1V10116161WIIVIMV.M.P.VittiVIMVIVOitlflt Brotherhood of Engiaemen, and the call him Ned Jacks, as he was after- good lady with whom he used to wards so familiarly well known to board, to his mother and father, two all. Now our loco. foreman, Ned Design for Association Branch trains collided in a heavy snow Jacks, was very fond of taking a run storm. He was found some time out as a driver when he could get Officers' Certificate. afterwards, badly injured, to such the chance of taking a light engine an extent that he died one hour for repairs to the old Williamstown afterwards. The nature of his in- Workshops. As he could book his With the object of Obtaining a juries were: both legs broken; pelvis own fireman on the running sheet, new and up-to-date certificate for badly crushed; three ribs broken, he could pick and choose who he presentation to comrades who have and a severe cut on back of head. would take. The majority of us did filled the positions of BranCh Chair- It occurred at about 6.45 in the not care to go with him, being a bit man or Secretary, and of encourag- morning, and the storm was that nervous, he being the Boss. How- ing the development of artistic talent heavy they could only see a couple ever, I was determined when he amongst members, the Executive has of coaches in advance. The Brother- booked me with him first that as he decided to offer a prize of £4 4s. hood, of which he was a member, preferred to be a driver, that he for competition amongst financial have done everything they could for would only be treated as a driver as members of the Association. our ex-comrade; buried him in the far as I was concerned. I soon dis- It is believed that we have Firemen's Plot of the Cemetery at covered that he preferred that way amongst our Members some who have a place called Moose Jaw. The has taken the best. He got no "No, sir," or "Yes, talent for designing a certificate that Brotherhood's solicitor sir," out of me, and I was often will at once be artistic and emblem- matter in hand on behalf of the booked out. My first trip with him atical of our calling, and it is hoped bereaved parents; and, sir, they have was taken on engine No. 39 to the that a number of designs will be sub- our heartfelt sympathy at their sad shops. We had to run her tender mitted, so that a selection Can be loss, so far away from hotne, and first, as the flange of one of her lead- made that will make the certificate it must be some consolatien to them ing eugine wheels was damaged a of the - Association for those who to know that he was as well cared Brotherhood, bit, and it was not consldered safe have held office more appropriate for as possible by the to run engine first. Going up Chew- than the present one. and did not pass away, as it were, Jacks sent me to the tool- It is not intended to hamper the amongst strangers. On behalf of this ton bank the bereaved box on the tender to bring him a competition bv suggesting any par- Branch we extend to cigar. He always fancied himself a ticular idea to be incorporated in parents our heartfelt sympathy.—J. lot when he was driving. There were the design, as 'it is believed the Pearce, Branch Secretary. two cigars. I brought both down. best results will be obtained by leav- I also observed that there was a ing that question to the competi- Yet another comrade, Fireman bottle of wine in the box. I gave tors. L. R. Leigh, succumbed to an at- him one of the cigars, and as he The dimensions of the certificate tack of influenza at the Alfred Hos- lighted up I also lit up the other. should be 20i by 13',1 inches, and pital, on 19th May, at 27 years of After a bit he said "There is a bottle should contain the following words: age. of wine up there, too." I said that " Federated Locomotive Engine Dri- He joined the service in 1911, com- I knew that. He said, "Well, you vers, Firemen, and 'Cleaners' Asso- mencing at Newport, and transfer- won't get a drop of it." I told him ciation. Victorian Division. red to the Loco. Running Branch wine was no good to me, that I pre- Branch. Presented to " the followino. year, and wa,s stationed ferred a pint of beer, and that I who has filled the position of at North Melbourne, from which 63 May 31, 1919. THE FOOTPLATE.

ciety were broken in pieces, and place he was transferred to Port 1111011111iBiltanlellafttifliniftiNtiNOWIMV Melbourne, to take up his promo- the present society will cease under tion to suburban work. He leaves the unalterable, unending law of a widow and one child, to whom our THE MONTH OF MAY. Evolution. Speed the clay Our regrets and sympathy is extended. faith in May Day is lust. The May (Latin, maius) is the fifth world of inankind cannot hope to month of the year, and has thirty- hold an insulated existence for ever. Comrade F. Whitmore died on May one days. In the old Alban Calen- All men are brothers. All nations 4th, being another of our valued dar it was the second month, and bondsmen. The.m is, only one way members claimed by the influenza had only twenty-six days. In the of emancipation. Co-operation, nat- epidemic. Fred. entered the service Romulus Calendar it was the 'third ional, international, fraternal Bro- on January 2, 1908, and became a month, and had thirty-one days, and therhood. May Dav is a challeng,e driver on the 21st August, 1918, in that of Nurna Pompilius, thirty to the enemies of mankind, a chal- and was for some time stationed days. The etymolog,y of the word is lenge to the enemies of progress. at Bendigo, but was transferred to doubtful. It was called Mains by May Day will hind the nations of North Melbourne about twelve months Romu'us in respect to the senators the world in a bond of fraternity ago. Like many of the sad cases and nobles of his city. Some are and love. we are experiencing his illneSs was of the opinion that it was named The fifth of May signifies a very of short duration. He was 33 years af ter Maaia, the mother of Mercury. initiortant happening, to the workers of age, and to Mrs. Whitmore we In giving the explanation of the of the world. On this date was convey the sympathy and condolence word. I feel that I may affront some born one of the world's greatest of his fellow members. who already know, but as I think thinkers. Carlo Henrico Mordecai, that all our readers do not know, I afterwards known as Karl Marx, venture the explanation, and I hope was born on this day. Persecuted Another regrettable death from that no misconstruction will take through life, he never relinquished pneumonic influenza occurred on Sun- place in consequence. a his work : the championing .of the day, llth May, the victim being The First of May, which is known workers' cause, and hè has given well-known and popular member, as May Day the wide world over, us in his three volumes "Capital" Comrade J. Goss, 25 years of age. is full of .pregnant meaning. to all the road we must travel to economic He was a fireman, stationed at those who hope that in, the centuries -- freedom. Last year we celebrated his North Melbourne, but was often to come a fraternal Brotherhood will centenary—celebrated it in the midst transferred temporarily away during exist between the nations of the of a world torn and bleeding. by rush periods to country places, so and others we see that not only the war. It was an appalling verifica- was known to many Enginemen away world. Years ago it was the custom tion of his prophecy uttered years from North Melbourne. for all ranks of people to go ago. The verification was written He leaves a father, mother, three "a-maying" on this day. From the in fire and •horror across the world brothers and six sisters to mourn writings of Chaucer, Shakespeare, in a well-nigh universal conflict. their loss, for whom much sympathy working class but also rank and But his message to humanity shines is fe:t by members. royalty, indulged in the festivities. dbove it like a star over a stormy The celebration of May Day pro- sea. A respected member in the person bably had its origin from Flora, the Workers of the world, unite. You of Comrade W. A. Paul, died on goddess of flowers, and whose rites have nothing to lose but your internal com- were solemnised by the ancients at chains. the 14th inst. of an that season. For a plaint. He had been a sufferer for time in many Marx, like Ingersoll, Paine, and countries the day fell into disuse, other great thinkers, had a passion- some time past, and had been oper- but ated on several times without effect- was revived again, and is to- ate love for little children, and not- ing improvement. He joined the ser- day celebrated particularly by So- withstanding his great poverty, was vice in 1890, and after the 1903 cialists in every clime. On every an admirable husband and father. strike went to South Africa in com- May Day Socialist children in their Three of his children died from pov- pany with Driver W. F. Fraser. On schools are taught to say : " We are erty. He survived his wife by only returning from there he joined up to-night to be internationalists and , fifteen months. He could not live with the Department again. He was to honor Liberty, Equality, and Fra- without her. By his death we have tor a long rtime a steam crane driver ternity. Our salute to the blood- lost one who never wavered in his and ambulance man al North Loco. red emblem of Internationalism is: allegiance to the workers. The shed, but was transferred to subur- " We salute the Red Flag. of Social- persecutions he suffered from were ban work at Port Melbourne about ism because it stands for justice to terrible, and the following lines by two years ago, since when his health all." Robert Burns are applicable to him: became indifferent. His many friends May Day last was celebrated throu- A man is thought a knave, a fool, comrades regret his death, and ghout the world by the workingclass, and although our daily papers made very A bigot plotting crime ; extend condolences and- sympathy to advancement of his kind his widow and young family. little mention of the fact. During Who for the the stress of war May Day was for- Is wiser than his time. gotten by many in their racial hat- For him the gibbet shall be built, Yet another young follower of the red, but the fire only slumbered, For him the stake prepared, footplate passed out , on 27th April, and will break out afresh and encir- For him the hemlock shall distil, namely Comrade Jo,seph Hennessey, cle the globe with aerial-like speed, For him the axe be bared. aged 29 years, influenza being the proclaiming the message of humanity Him shall the scorn and hate of men cause.' Joe enlisted on the outbreak and fraternity to all. Pursue with deadly aim, of war, and saw, a good deal of , Before the soul-crushing days of And envy, malice, hatred; lies, active service abroad, teturning ab- Capitalism, May Day was hailed Shall desecrate his name. out two years ago, and resumed duty with rejoicing, but the dancing and W. LEWIS. at Port Melbourne. He was after- festivities were banished from the wards stationed at North Melbourne land. To-day May Day is a protest Have you any talent as a designer ? and was well-known at both places. against Capitalism. Capitalism af- If so, have a look at the conditions His father is a guard, stationed at fects all countries. It is ubiquitous. governing a prize of £4 4s., which Seymour, and the Association's sym- Those who hail May Day are the is offered by the Executive for a de- pathy is extended to the relatives ones who are working for the email, design for a certificate for Branch of our late comrade in their bereave- cipation of the future generations. Chairman or Secretary, and send ment. Ancient empires and forms of so- along your design. 6 1 THE FOOTPLATE. May 31, 19t9.

1V44i4e.i'Mi4.r.X.4VPV4ViAlg9..1W4SsVio4 Samson and Lewis, vvith the General to amplify his ideals, and much Secretary, at 2.30 p.m. on Friday might have happened that would last. A report of the deputation liave placed those he labored SPARKS. will be read at Branch meetings en a labor of love on a higher plane, the 8th prox. where the worker would have The new Goods Mixed and Subur- triumphed over the profiteer; but ban Rosters at North Melbourne A Benalla correspondent writes: he was taken at a time when the were brought into operation on Mon- Driver F. Carlile ancl Cleaner A. industrial field never looked so fav• day, the 19th inst., and, with the Morgan, of Benalla, were both ourable for bringing in the harvest exception of minor complaints, which down with the "flue" recently. The .-,own by his teaching, and he spent can be adjusted, appear to be giving hope is expres-,ed by their comrades himself and all he possessed gene- satisfaction. that they will soon be restored to rously in the effort. health and able to take up their work again. That it will mean some sacrifice Comrades "Joe" Reed, " Watty" for the poorly paid men to give at Marston, and "Bob" M'Donald, for Much appreciation was felt and ex- all under present conditions, goes the Suburban, Mixed and Goods men without saying,- but the measure of re .irectively, assisted in making the pressed in Benalla and other coun- try districts at the success of the appreci.ation can be best shown by adjustments necessary to make the the extent of the sacrifice, and it is three rosters workable, and showed Executive in getting the "allotment" system knocked out. safe to say that had he been allowed a spirit of co-operation that might to remain with us longer eich of well be emulated by some of those Join the Loco. Tootball Club. The those who will give now with a will- whose criticism is of the purely de- ing spirit would have benefited by structive kind. ickets •are 28. 6d. each. If yon can't play you can pay and th.e his unceasing efforts. At a time when he was to be the recipient of No amount of manceuvring and al- boys will show you some play worth watching. a testimonial from the members of terations to the sequences of jobs can the Union he did so much to build, turn the "goods" roister juto a "good" he passed away, and it is the desire Jester. The fact i3 that two-thirds The C.M.E. assures us that the of those on whom falls the readily- of the work done by "goods" engine- long' hours ancl no relief complaint accepted responsibility of providing men is between the hours of 6 p.m. is being investigated with a view for the needs of those- he left be- and 6 a.m., and until we g-et stiff to a remedy. It is hoped sincerely hind, that the tribute to his memory penalty rates to make the night work by enginemen that some practical will be worthy of the man and hiS costly we will not be able to make results will folow, as the large per deeds. Give, then, comrades, as he those who control the traffic even eentage of deaths of our members gave to you, the best that is in look for a way to utilise the day horn influenza, most of them strong o..11- Power. instead of night for running goods and healthy your* men, is causing traffic. anxiety. It has -been stated by medi- ka41-aVAMWIlii:176;11.talfaitaaiAiAltalaiNa4:?aiii eal men that those physically tired Six more deaths of valued mem- and worn out are most subject to bers of the Central Branch have infectiOn from this dreaded com- occur..ed since last issue, we are plaint, and this is borne out by re- Loco. Football Club. sorry to report. Influenza is again cent experience amongst our boys. the chief cause. The sympathy of Twelve hours work should be the " The Footplate" is extended to the limit for any man on a locomotive, A meeting for the purpose of form- bereaved relatives of our members, and four of these are too many ing a Loco. Football Club was held ras well as to ex-Driver B. whenever the working- of them can in the Loco. Hall OT1 'Tuesday night Woodman, chargern an at Seymour, be avoided . the 27th inst., Mr. W. Lewis in the whose son Charles, hitnself an ex- chair. After discussion it was even- member of the Association and a 14tOr.VAillestilillAttflfiN9VIMPROIIMASZLet.V% tually resolved to form a Railway member of the American Brother- Football Association, with a view to hood, lost his life in an accident creating fresh interest in the game in Cariada. Frank Hyett Testimonial Fund. amongst Railway men generally. It should not be a difficult matter to The Electric gather together at least four first- service is now in An opportunity is being given to operation, and the new order of class teams, whose displays should things replaces the Unioilists throughout the R,ailway pro 'e good clean sport. old. A good show deal of concern is being felt by Servii.e to their appreciation men with their of the great work done in the in- It is proposed to ask the Tram- homes at Port and waymen and Policemen to join South Melbourne as to terests of the working class. gener- in the Depart- and Enginemen in particular, games at a later 6stage, and memories ment's inteations with regard to the ally locomotive men by our late Comrade, for Frank of previous games played give pro- stationed there. Ail mi e of early announcement is hoped Hyett was that in the very best some interesting fixtures. for. 'sense of the word. Mr. J. Giogan, 'Chief Foreman, N. If It has been decided that sub- there were no other good rea- and 'Melbourne Loco. was elected Presi- sons (and every locomotive scription lists will be c'irculated man the opportunity will be thus pre- dent; Mr. B. B. Deveney and A. S. knows there are many) the fact that Drakeford, Vice-Presidents; Mr. G. promotion for firemen sented to all Unionists to give what to enginedriv- they can spare in recognition of the Churchill, Secretary; a,nd H. J. ving will be considerably lessened Higgs, Treasurer. by elect] iticatoa, should entitle them obligation conferred upon them by Frank enthusiasm, energy, Members tickets, at 2/6 each, can to reach the maximum rate for firing lay the by periodical increases. arid ability which he invariably dis- he purchased from Messrs. W. Lewis, played in forwarding their interests. C. Catlin, H. Carey, D. Strachan, R. He was invariably so busy in Monar, A. D. Crellin -and T. Michell, The newly -appointed Chief Mech- working for his great objective—the members of the Committee. anical Engineer, NIr. A. E. Smith, uplifting of the poor and needy, the The first game will be played at met a deputation from the Associa- improvement of the masses--that he the North Melbourne Football Club's tion, consisting of President Deve- had but little time to spare in think- 'ground, at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, 5th ney, Vice-President Gault, Treasur- ing of what might happen to himself. June, with a team from the Mel- er Collins, and Executive members Given another twenty years in bourne Guards and Shunters' Club. A3.&. arlaanNO311 Printed by the Hilton Press, rear 398 Pos1 Office Place,. Melbourne, and Published by the Victoriaz Locomotive Enginedrivers', Firemen's, and Cleaners' Association.

Library Digitised Collections

Title: The Footplate 1919

Date: 1919

Persistent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11343/21236

File Description: Footplate, vol.2 no.5, 1919