.WI r v!1 1 ^ ^m,,. .. R^ .^m^ ^ •7 ú¡.i^^^ :: ► ^ nl-;. ^. ¡;. :l^^ ^ü1^^11II: flfll ^11(NV ^^ 11 ^^1i , -7 ^c ;^r,.g ^ _ ^ ^•^_ . , • ^ ^ . ^ ; ^-- - r=• ac _ • • `;^^^

.^ -^. 'In,. . -r - • _ ^^ —f= TELL THE BOYS TO PULL TOGETHER

,aa-.,.a The Official Organ of the Victorian Division of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen. Registered at G.P.O., Melbourne, for transmission by Post as a Newspaper.

JULY-AUGUST, 1931

V , ol. 14 No. 7 MELBOURNE, AUGUST 6, 1931. Price, 2/- Per Annum, Post Free

. . J

THE LOCO TEM A iL R E Cleanliness Comfort Good Orchestra Perfect Pictures

Our Programs may be

equalled but

Cannot be Beaten

UNITED WE STAND

DIVIDED WE FALL

UNIONISTS, you know what the

above means. Whether you are in the

Railways 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 help-

ing the other side and all it stands

for, i.e., Cheap Labour and Sweated Conditions. The Theatrical Em-

ployees' Association have fought hard

in the Arbitration Court for what it

has got; help them to keep it.

Never 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 August 6, 1931 114 July-August, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE.

The Premiers Plan The Footplate Rejected by the Industrial and Political They are slaves who will not dare All wrongs to right, Labor Movement All rights to share."

The plan agreed to at a conference represented by Messrs. R. Matheson MANAGERIAL NOTES

of the Premiers of the various States and C. Franklin, who voted for the

"The Footplate" is published and the Prime Minister of the Co rn- .. following resolution, which was

carried by an overwhelming monthly. monwealth, for the alleged purpose of All Branch Secretaries and Execu- restoring prosperity to the Common- majority :—"That this Conference re- pudiates the so-called 'Premiers' Plan,' wealth is not meeting with the tive Officers are empowered to act as approval of the vast body of workers and rejects with scorn the attempt of agents for this journal. Hand your who have expressed emphatic hostility Federal and State Parliamentarians to contributions, name and address to towards the plan, through the indus- force this inglorious surrender of - them. We do the rest. trial and political conferences. Labor principles upon the working class of Australia, and calls upon the 'Phone, F. 2235. The main features of the plan pro- Federal and State Executives of the

Literary.—To ensure publication vide for a 20 per cent. reduction in A.C.T.U. and A.L.P., to imme- contributions must be in not later all adjustable Government expendi- diately take action to meet this ture, including the salaries of Govern- than 19th of each month Branch onslaught on the standard of living of

ment servants, pensions and social reports should be in the hands of the workers by a counter offensive °services, also reduction of interest Editor as soon as possible after the for the socialization of industry, and upon all Government Securities. monthly meeting. Write on one sido further calls upon the Federal and Your Executive, after giving the State Executives of the A.L.P. to can- of paper only. matter careful consideration, decided cel the endorsement of those Parlia- Subscribers should see that "The to instruct its delegates to the con- mentarians supporting the anti-Labor Footplate" is sent to their private ad- ference to oppose any motion or program of the Premiers' Conference. amendment which had for its object dress, and not to Loco. Sheds. Sub- At the Conference convened by the introduction of the Premiers' scribers will be held responsible for A.L.P. Executive, held on 25th and Plan. The opinion of the Executive any failure of delivery due to change 26th July, the Union was represented is that the Plan will further reduce Y of address. They should notify Postal by Messrs. N. Pout, C. Franklin, W. the wages and standard of living of tl

Lewis, and A. S. Drakeford, M.L.A. authorities of any altered address, the workers in general. Both directly g (The President, Mr. R. Matheson, was and forward same also • to their' and indirectly, the workers will carry it unable to attend on account of being Branch Secretary. practically the whole burden of the es confined to his bed through illness.) proposed 20 per cent. reduction in all ti adjustable Government expenditure, The following resolution was sup- tc

JOIN THE and the number of unemployed will ported by our delegates, and carried C

be increased. by a large majority:—"That this Con- t^

ference endorses the action of the a Those who have been thrifty all Loco Self--Denial Fund Central Executive in its emphatic m their lives and are now unable to

opposition to the Premiers' Plan, as ai NO ENTRANCE FEE. work and who have invested their affecting wages, old age, invalid and di small savings in Government Loans soldiers' pensions, maternity allow- tlf 9d. WEEK or War Bonds, will lose, by proposed CONTRIBUTIONS ances and social services, and its conversion and reduction of interest, instructions to Victorian Parliamen - BENEFITS L2-10 WEEK because their power to purchase will tarians to vote against the plan. DEATH LEVY 1/- PER MEMBER be reduced. Further, Conference instructs Vic- The money invested in Government torian representatives in the Com - Over 1000 Members have joined this Securities by the State Superannua- monwealth Parliament to take all Fund. tion Board (£2,000,000), if converted, steps within their power to prevent will result in a loss of £30,000 in Get a RULE BOOK on joining. effect being given to those parts of interest for the first year, and for a the plan affecting wages, old ages number of years the average loss will invalid and soldiers' pensions, mater - fc be about £23,000 per annum. se DO IT NOW AND HELP nity allowances and social services." This may have the effect of in- YOURSELF. Notwithstanding the decisions el creasing contributions to the Fund, the industrial and political sections of and will certainly prevent desirable our Labor Movement, the State Labor or T. DAWSON. Secretary. improvements being effected. Government is proceeding to give

19 Tennyson Street, Seddon W 11 This money belongs to the con- effect to the Premiers' Plan, and it eL tributors, as the Government does will be a matter for future considers' ar not pay into the Fund until a con- tion as to what action can be taken ASSIST YOUR BRANCH ha tributor retires. to see that members of the State tr SECRETARY BY PAYING At the Conference convened by Mel- Parliamentary Labor Party carry out er

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS bourne Trades Hall Council, held on the decisions of the supreme govern" W, ing body of the Labor Movement. QUARTERLY 18th and 19th July, the Union was as

to August 6, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE. July-August, 1931 115

Legal advice was obtained, and, act- Why Members should not Purchase the ing upon this advice, proceedings were instituted against the Department for "Herald" or "Sun'' compensation, under the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act. The following letter from the tion at the present juncture. Union The case was listed for hearing, in Trades Hall Council is published for and A.L.P. Secretaries are asked to the County Court, Melbourne, on 15th members' information by direction of keep this matter a live one, and to June, when an adjournment was the Executive Committee. urge shop and job stewards to propa- secured at the request of the Union's Re "Herald" and "Sun." gate it. By this method alone can we barrister, as the Commissioners, in I forward by direction a resolution counteract the insidious influence of their defence had stated that Kitto adopted by the Trades Hall Council at these journals. They led undis- had received in excess of £360 per its meeting on Thursday, the 7th May. guisedly the attack upon the wages annum for the last three years, and Resolution :- and living standards of our people— the Workers' Compensation Act pro- (a) "That all Labor speakers be they created the atmosphere of un- vided that any person who received directed to draw attention to the easiness, which has brought in its £360 per annum was not a worker attitude of the "Herald" and turn the more serious consequences. under the provisions of the Act, and "Sun" towards the Labor Move- They have injured the health of the it appeared that this defence would ment. body politic, and destroyed the confi- prevent the case being decided upon (b) That workers be urged to form dence upon which industry is carried its merits. newspaper clubs for the purpose on, and endeavour by subtle misrepre- Acting upon the advice of our legal of curtailing expenditure in the sentation to fasten the responsibility advisers, it was decided to open up purchase of newspapers. upon the workers. Political rogues negotiations with the Commissioners (c) That the workers be urged to are whitewashed,. honest men be- to see if a settlement could be purchase one paper only per day. smirched. Villification and insults to- reached. (d. That the "Herald" and "Sun" be wards the workers and their organisa- At the suggestion of our legal ad- written to and asked to withdraw tions fill their columns, cartoons of a visers, the Executive placed the their representatives from this despicable nature reflecting their matter of negotiations with the Com- institution. policy and attitude of mind are pro- missioners, in the hands of the gene- (e) That Unions and Unionists be vided for the workers' "amusement." ral secretary, Mr. Collins. directed not to furnish informa- An interview at which Driver Kitto The worker must be told and told tion to either the "Sun" or the was in attendance, was arranged with often that these things mean him, and "Herald." Chairman of Commissioners, and, the sooner he realises that fact, the In submitting this resolution to after several interviews with the Com- sooner will these journals cease abus- your members, my Council expresses ing the power conferred on them, by missioners' Staff Board, an offer was the hope that its provisions will be the liberty given to the press. eventually made by the Commis- given practical application, and that sioners, without admitting any lia- it will become the active policy of The worker and Laborites generally bility, to pay to Kitto the sum of £100 every Laborite towards that section of have it in their power to administer towards medical, hospital and other the press referred to. It may appear an effective corrective. The resolution incidental expenses incurred by him, to many of your members that the of the Trades Hall Council indicates by reason of the injuries received. Council should not discriminate be- a method which, if taken up enthu- Prior to the offer being accepted, tween sections of the press, which as siastically, will convince these journals an order was made in the County a whole has little time for our move- that the Laborites of this State will Court by His Honor, Judge Foster, in ment, but Council, in its wisdom, is tolerate their tactics no longer. favor of the Commissioners, each side of the opinion that there is a marked Yours in Unity, to pay their own costs. difference in the methods of our oppo- W. J. DUGGAN, Although the grant of £100 will nents which justifies such discrimina- Secretary. not, to any great extent, compensate Kitto for his suffering and partial permanent disablement, it is an instance whether the Commissioners Compensation Claim by Ex-Electric Train have extended practical sympathy to an employee who has given years of Driver W. Kitto faithful service to the community, al- though not legally compelled to make The compensation claim of Ex- front of the driving cab, causing any such payment. Driver W. Kitto that has been in hand injury to Kitto's leg. for close on twelve months has been Driver Kitto was removed to the settled by agreement with the Corn- Melbourne hospital, and was retired In issioners. as from 6th ,August, 1930, having Thanks ! reached the statutory age of retire- 6 Fussell Street, Electric Train Driver W. J. Kitto, ment, 65 years. Ballarat East. on the 20th January, 1930, whilst en- Driver Kitto was paid full pay to To the Editor. gaged in driving the 11.20 p.m. up date of retirement, but the Commis- Sir,—Please allow me to convey my electric train, between Sandringham sioners declined to pay beyond the hearty thanks to the Ballarat Branch and Melbourn e, had the misfortune to date of retirement, contending that and the general secretary, Mr. Col- have his leg badly crushed when the this could not be done under the pro- lins, for the valuable assistance ren- train collided with the gates of level visions of the Railways Act; also that c dered to me during the past two years, rossing at Hampton. The gates Driver Kitto had no claim for com- and in getting my superannuation and Were closed to road traffic, but a pensation under the provisions of the compensation for me. Wishing the motorist collided with the gates just Workers' Compensation Act, as a Union every success.—Yours, etc., as the train was approaching and the railway man's industrial life ceased top beam of the gate penetrated the A. J. E. BALFOUR, at 65 years of age. Ex-Lad Laborer. THE FOOTPLATE August 6, 1931 116 July-August, 1931

when getting into pit to prepare engine. Head Office Matters Further enquiries made Maurer to be given benefit of the doubt as to whether he exercised proper care, and MATTERS FINALISED WITH Way and Works Branch, and to be to be allowed full pay for time lost. fitted up as a fully-equipped rest As branch report that Maurer COMMISSIONERS' STAFF house by Rolling Stock Branch, which BOARD. would not have worked full time for will include beds and bedding. the period had he not been injured, Fireman Waters, North Melbourne, he is to be paid the time that he half-pay allowed, time lost owing Fitter's Assistant Lewis, North Mel- would have worked-11 days 62 hours to injuries received to foot whilst bourne, claim to be paid penalty for period. working on coal stage. time on account of having to work In view of representations made, during lunch interval owing to further information obtained, and full breakdown. Driver James, Balmoral, protest pay now allowed for all time lost. Not prepared to grant claim as against penalty of eight hours for there is no definite meal time on this working on three holidays being shift, and the travelling time, when utilised as a set-off against gra- Fireman Matcham, North Melbourne, deducted, did not entitle Lewis to pay- tuity time, instead of being added protest against only receiving half- ment of penalty time on the daily to his annual leave. Matter finalised. As James did not pay, time lost, injured knee, due to basis. falling in pit at Woodend. Off duty apply to be paid the extra eight hours for working on each of these days, he several weeks. Protest against Acting Drivers and In view of further information sup- is entitled to three days' leave on Acting Firemen who have not main- plied, and the fact that there was full pay, as this penalty cannot be steam escaping from engine, and that tained 313 days' higher-grade work used as a set-off against gratuity 1 Matcham misjudged the end of the in the preceding two years having time. their annual leave reduced to that pit, Commissioners have decided, as for Cleaners and Firemen respec- special case, to allow full pay for all tively. Protest against proposed altered time lost. Instructions issued that as Acting method of working trains between men progressed by one day each year Geelong and Warrnambool, which Request that crews booked on rest to the maximum annual leave, that if will result in the transfer of several jobs be granted advance of ex- they do not maintain 313 days' crews from Colac. penses. higher-grade work they are to drop Matter fully investigated. Com- Sympathetic towards re q u e s t. back in the samé order in which their missioners have approved of the al- Papers now with Chief Accountant to leave was increased, but not below tered method being adopted, as it will ascertain cost of giving effect to pro- the minimum for the higher grade. mean a saving of about £500 per posal. annum. Driver G. Wilkinson, North Mel- Melbourne crew Protest against bourne, protest against only being Acting Driver Sheers, Ballarat, claim Ararat having to booked to rest at paid half-pay time lost, owing to for compensation for loss of top of rest house. use departmental injuries received to elbow. finger when operating grease gun at Instructions now issued crews are In view of further information sup- to use rest house. Donald. not to be compelled plied, full pay to be allowed for all R.M.O. reports that Sheers has not time lost. lost the joint of his finger, so not Driver McGregor, Newport, protest entitled to compensation under against proposal to be rationed, al- Workers' Compensation Act. though due to retire 5/8/31. Driver Garland, North Melbourne, no Instructions issued McGregor not to pay received time lost, injuries re- be rationed Will make further en- ceived by slippir : g from spring- Driver Spooner, Joliment, complaint quiries into representations that the board of engine. of delay in arranging payment time two engine-drivers at Newport Garland examined by R.M.O., and lost. owing to injuries received on should not be subject to rationing, as without admitting liability Commis- duty. they are not shop employes, but sioners prepared to authorise full pay Full pay authorise d. Regret delay, straight-out enginemen. for time lost. which was due to having to obtain report from an employee of Postal Protest against Cleaners being dis- Department, who witnessed the acci- Question of Supers temporarily trans- dent. placed from labouring and other ferred not being paid travelling time work at North Melbourne, which or expenses. Electric Loco.. Assistant Pearce, pro- has been regarded as Cleaners' work Instructions issued that if Super for a considerable time. test against not being paid maxi- Cleaners have been transferred to lo- mum rate for grade. Reports disclose that some of the cations where no local labour was jobs filled by Cleaners were abolished, Pearce previously employed as available, they are to be paid travel- Fireman, but obtained position ill but it is not proposed to take any ling time and expenses, but if trans- further work from the Cleaners at Loco. Signal Box at own request ferred to locations where junior men about four years ago. Notified that North Melbourne. were standing down, they are not to his name would be removed from En - be raid either travelling time or ex- ginemen's Seniority Lis t, and if he Protest against Mildura men who uti- penses. later returned to the footplate he 1 lise rest house at Donald being de- would go to the bottom of the Fire - ducted full 2/3, as blankets and Fireman Maurer, Geelong, protest men's list. bedding are not supplied. On account of regression, Pearce Arrangements now made for the against only being paid half-pay, accepted position as Electric Loco As- rest house to be taken over from the time lost owing to injuries received August 6, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE. July-August, 1931 117 sistant, and is not entitled to receive close that when the time was fixed he was r ppointed to this position gives credit for previous firing service. for this work at 75 mins., it was due him any right to Fireman's rate of He is to be paid intermediate rate to the fact that the time allowed for pay. as an Electric Loco Assistant, and preparing an engine was 60 mins., As from 15th February he will bei will be paid the maximum rate from and the Commissioners decided to entitled to maximum Fireman's rate 27/10/31. allow an additional 15 mins. when of pay, as the rates awarded by the If Pearce has been paid maximum necessary to stable and re-prepare at Arbitration Court have been restored rate in error, he is not to be called the one operation. by the Classification Board's Award, upon to refund over-payment. Now that the time to prepare an No. 28, with the 10 per cent. reduc- engine has been reduced to 45 mins., tion. Fireman Yeend, half-pay received, the Commissioners consider that 15 time lost, injuries received whilst mins. additional is ample time to on duty. stable and re-prepare in one opera- Rail Motor Driver Phelps, ,Dayles- Matter now finalised. Full pay tion. ford, claim for refund of freight authorised for all time lost. Not prepared to make any varia- paid on motor car when transferred tion of the instruction issued by Deniliquin to Daylesford. C.M.E., which was first approved by Not prepared to grant application, Protest against delay in supplying the Commissioners. overcoats to Rail Motor Drivers. as enquiries disclose that a 15-ton U Matter taken up with Stores truck was made available for Phelps, Branch, who admit there has been de- Fireman Reeves, claim for refund and that the whole of his furniture lay with Contractor, but expect to medical expenses on account of in- could have been loaded into this truck. have overcoats available within next juries received to foot whilst coal- Employees only entitled to free trans- few days. ing engine at Ouyen. por of motor car when it does not in- Doctor Nihill has submitted claim volve an extra truck. for £3/3/- for first aid and visits. Will In view of this concession being Driver Burton, Bendigo, application allow £2/2/- as first aid expenses. abused in certain cases, Commis- refund fare paid to Melbourne to sioners have now decided that in fu- interview Commissioners in refer- ture free transport of employee's ence to injury pay case on account Protest against primus stove not be- motor cars will be discontinued alto- of not being able to use annual ing provided for use of Electric gether. leave pass, which was away with Train Drivers at East Malvern. Mrs. Burton. Enquiries disclose that Departmen- Authority issued for refund of fare tal Regulations will not permit of Electric Train Driver McVeigh, Joli- paid. primus stove being used under the mont, claim for proportionate leave conditions prevailing at East Mal- to date of retirement, also for re- vern. Arrangements made for wood Acting Driver Wallis, North Mel- tiring pass. to be supplied so that Drivers can McVeigh not entitled to any leave, bourne, claim to be paid minimum obtain hot water if desired. Driver's rate whilst employed as he has only worked a few days firing. since being granted his last annual Not prepared to grant claim, as Fireman McGovern, North Mel- leave. Wallis since qualifying for driving bourne, claim for compensation for Retiring pass is only given when duty has only been utilised on one permanent injuries received to knee the employee is entitled to annual occasion as a Driver, except when on account of being injured whilst leave, but as a special case will issue working under the instruction of En- on duty, which caused his retire- retiring pass for two weeks. ginemen's Instructor to run train ment from the service. Melbourne to Bendigo and return for R.M.O. reports that Commissioners instruction on "X" class engine. Wal- Are not liable for payment of com- lis is not considered as liable to be pensation, as McGovern has been paid MATTERS FINALISED WITH MR. called upon for driving duty, so not full rate whilst off injured for several STAMP, SUPT. OF LOCO entitled to minimum Driver's rate as months, and although permanently RUNNING. Prescribed in award. unfit for firing duty is not unfit for other work. Fireman Inglis, North Melbourne, pro- Door of clothes box of engine 531 de- test against no pay received, time Driver Sheers, Ballarat, protest fective when received from New- lost owing to injuries received to against half-pay received, time lost port. his knee whilst on duty. owing to loss of top of finger when Matter investigated. Door of this R.M.O. advises that injury could operating grease gun at Donald. clothes box has been made to open not have been caused as stated by Matter further investigated. Now inwards instead of outwards. Will Inglis, as he worked eight days be- decided full pay to be allowed for all take up with Newport to alter this fore going off duty. time lost. door and to see that all other doors are made to open outwards. Fireman Cairncross, North Mel- Electric Loco Assistant Duke, pro- bourne, protest against half-pay re- test against not being paid Fire- ceived, time lost owing to injuries man's rate whilst acting as Electric Request that Water Crane at Dim- received whilst on duty. Loco Assistant from October, 1930, boola be shifted from No. 1 Road Records show Cairncross off duty to February, 1931. to Pit Road. ten days; full pay authorised for all Not prepared to pay Duke at Fire- Reports show that it would cost time lost. man's rate ,as he was filling a full- £438 to put in a 10,000-gallon tank time position, and had made applica- at the pit road, and in view of the Protest against time allowed to stable tion for this vacancy, and accepted financial position of the Railways not and re-prepare engines at one the lower rate each pay day without prepared to recommend the expendi- operation being reduced to 60 mins. question. Do not consider that the ture of any money upon water facili- Matter investigated. Papers dis- fact of Duke not being notified that ties at Dimboola. August 6, 1931 118 July-August, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE.

Driver McVeigh, Ballarat, protest Repairs required to water crane at certain extent by not taking earlier against caution with record for Wallan, as at present requires two action to obtain pilotman. Will instruct Fitter-in-Charge that failing to book repairs to engine men to operate same. "C4" when stabling same on Crane examined. Defect due to he is to be more careful in future as faulty valve, which has since been regards booking Drivers on trains 23/2/31. when not acquainted with roads and Not prepared to alter previous de- adjusted. cision, as on account of repairs not signals. being booked engine was late out. Request that ashes be spread around Had it not been for McVeigh's good turn-table at Serviceton. Complaint of ordinary loading being record, he would have been fined in- Matter taken up with Way and placed on 2.15 p.m. passenger train. stead of being cautioned with record. Works Branch, and reports disclose Bairnsdale to Sale. ashes have been spread and earth- Transportation Braneh report that works built up, as suggested. at no time were empties placed on Driver Elliott, North Melbourne, pro- this train, and only urgent loading test against not receiving all papers Protest against tender-first running, on odd occasions. relating to caution with record for Melbourne to Tottenham. S.M. has been definitely instructed derailment of engine, North Mel- Complaint investigated. Instruc- that no four-wheel vehicles must be bourne table, on 31/12/30. tions issued that as from 17/7/31 en- attached to this train without special Records show that all papers were gines are to run -engine first to Tot- permission. sent to Elliott attached to the "G48" tenham. Form. Not prepared to take any fur- Protest against Dimboola Drivers be- ther action in reference to the matter. Protest against Drivers' kits being ing booked to run passenger trains removed from lockers of Acting Ararat to Ballarat, although have Drivers, North Melbourne, and not been over this road for five Driver Chapman, Maryborough, pro- other places. years. test against local caution, time lost, This has been done on account of Definite instructions issued that engine "C26" between Maryborough Commissioners making inspection of Dimboola Driver is to ride as third and Ballarat, 13/4/31. lockers, and finding Drivers' kits hr man for purpose of learning roads Not prepared to alter decision, as rusty condition, as they had not been and signals between Ararat and Bal- Chapman has simply been instructed used for many months. larat. Altered method of running to manage better in future, and no Extra work involved in checking operates on Sundays only. record is kept of this local caution. kits, although not in use, so decided Statement by Chapman as to defec- to store the kits of the junior Acting Labourer G. Allen, North Melbourne. Drivers when not likely to be re- tive blower has been investigated, and "G4.8," for idling his time by going full file containing explanation will quired for driving work. to Refreshment Room for refresh- be forwarded to Chapman. ment during working hours. Acting Driver A. E. Clark, "G48" Matter finalised. Allen to be fined time lost, Ouyen, on 31/3/31 and 5/-, and if again under notice for 14/4/31. being away from duty will be se- Bad order of road between Albion be cau- and Broadmeadows, as reported by Matter finalised. Clark to verely punished. tioned and recorded, as consider he Driver H. Baker. Engine fitted wih special apparatus managed badly by losing time with Protest against lux lamps at Nyora for locating holes in road tested over considerably less than full load. not being lit Saturday nights. this section. Road in bad order, and Protest against goods engine running Instructions now issued to S.M. is now being attended to. rior to Propose to re-issue instruction that schedule being omitted from Work- that lux lamps must be lit p arrival of Wonthaggi engine, which all Drivers are to report holes in road, ing Time Table. as on account of reduction of track C.M.E. and Supt. of Loco Running goes over pit on Saturday nights. force it is essential that D rivers consider Goods Engine Running bring under notice any holes in the Schedule should have been included Protest against "T" Class trucks being road. in Time Table, but Transportation left standing in No. 1 Road, Spion Branch consider not necessary. - Kop, as they interfere with the Drivers should -keep Goods Engine view of Drivers. Request that when it is necessary to Running Schedule from previous issue Transportation Branch repo rt that obtain the services of an Observer of Time Table and work to same. these trucks have now been removed at Spencer Street and other places, from No. 1 Road and will be stored and no Observer is wish the train, Driver Chisholm, Dimboola, com- elsewhere. that the Guard should act as Ob- plaint of having to run mixed train server and a competent Transpor- Stawell to Ararat, although not Request that additional time be al- tation Branch employee perform passed in roads and signals for this lowed for leading engine that runs Guard's duties. section. goods train from Ouyen when brake is tested by second engine. Matter now finalised, and definite When Chisholm was booked on this d instructions issued by Transportation train, Fitter-in-Charge overlooked Consider that five minutes allowe Branch that when there is no Ob- fact that Chisholm had not passed in is sufficient, but if Driver of leading server with the electric train, and it roads and signals right through to engine cannot carry out instructions Page is necessary for vehicles to be picked Ararat. contained in General Appendix, up or put off, that the Guard must If this fact had been mentioned by 603, and Regulation 269, he will no t act as Observer, providing there is a Chisholm another Driver would have be held responsible if train is a min- competent man available to perform been booked on train or earlier ar- ute or two late in departing. shunting operations in place of the rangements would have been made Notice was posted at. Ouyen during Guard. for a pilot to be provided from April, giving instructions as to work Will arrange for notice to this Stawell to Ararat. to be performed by Drivers of each engine. effect to be posted at Jolimont. Consider Chisholm to blame to a August 6, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE July-August, 1931 119

Protest against running of unneces- for the shift that Richardson was re- MATTERS FINALISED WITH MR. sary night trains between Won- quired for. DICKENSON, CHIEF CLERK, thaggi and Nyora, especially on C.M.E.'s BRANCH. Sunday nights, when 10.10 p.m. up Request that additional time be al- and 2.30 a.m. down trains are run. lowed when running "C" Class en- Transportation Branch report that gines on goods trains between Acting Driver Callaghan, claim to be it is necessary to run 2.30 a.m. down Maryborough and Ballarat. paid driving rate when booked fir- Nyora to Wonthaggi each morning, Tests previously made by Messrs. ing on Bendigo rest job on 9/4/31, as this train has perishable loading Ford and Bell, Enginemen's Instruc- on account of junior man being for Wonthaggi, which must be placed tors, who have reported that the pre- utilised for driving duty. in position for unloading at 8 a.m., sent time allowances are reasonable Consider that North Melbourne the crew running 10.10 p.m. up return and should. not be increased. Not made reasonable provision for senior with the 2.30 a.m. down. prepared to extend existing allow- men obtaining driving duty, but on Full file of papers to be forwarded ance. account of rush of traffic junior men to Branch Secretary. Wonthaggi. to Driver Callaghan had to be uti- Complaint of bad order engines at lised. Mildura. Instructions issued Callaghan to be Protest from North Melbourne crews Complaint investigated. Engine paid at driving rate and have time against having to prepare "X" 799 to go to shops in July; engine 684 credited as driving time for incre- Class engines outside of shed at transferred to North Melbourne; en- ment purposes. Bendigo. gine 683 due for shops, and to be sent Instructions issued that if raining in at once; engine 616, valves re-set General complaint of Ballarat En- engine will be brought into shed for 24/6/31, and now in good order. ginemen being unable to ascertain preparation. Turntable in bad order next turn of duty, especially when and difficult to operate with "X" Request that arch be provided Mil- finishing duty prior to 2 p.m. Class engine. dura pit to prevent Enginemen get- Question of improving turntable in Matter discussed at Depot Fore- ting wet feet when washing out Foremen hand with Way and Works Branch. man's Conference, when pan. were impressed that every effort must Fitter-in-Charge reports that six of be made to notify Enginemen of next Request that clock be provided in en- the engines at Mildura are fitted with turn of duty when signing off prior gine shed at Bairnsdale hopper pans, and as there is a fall to 2 p.m. District Officers not prepared to of nine inches upon floor of pit, that 1f not informed, then Enginemen recommend clock, as additional ex- if grating is kept clear, there should must make their own arrangements pense not justified. Clock in S.M.'s be no accumulation of water. for ascertaining next turn of duty, in Office can be seen through window Instructions issued nit to be cleaned accordance with practice existing' whenever necessary. out daily, and consider this will over- prior to Arbitration Court Award. come difficulty. Any cases of hardship on account If arch or row of bricks were pro- Request that electric lightt be pro- of having to comply with this in- vided, would interfere with flow of struction should be at once reported, vided portable Bairnsdale where water from pit. shower and wash basins are fitted. so that they can be invesigated to District Officers not prepared to see if Sheet Clerk and Depot Fore- recommend light, as expense would Request that road be built up at Wal= man made reasonable efforts to in- not be justified, as only one crew lan pit, as when shovelling ashes form Enginemen of next turn of woud be likely to use the light each the road has been lowered, and con- duty. week-end. stitutes a danger to Enginemen when operating dump bars. Acting Drivers, when employed on Matter taken up with Way and hot water engine at North Mel- Driver Cranston, complaint that crate Works Branch, and reports disclose bourne, protest against not being of pigs was loaded in van of 2.25 road now built up as desired. paid at driving rate and having Seymour paper train on 2/6/31 time credited as driving time for when crew travelling passenger. Driver White, North Melbourne, pro- increment purposes. Instructions issued by Transporta- test against not being permitted to Rate of pay for Hot Water Driver, tion Branch that in future crates of take coal at Seymour with "X" Class 13/1.1 per day. Acting Drivers, when live stock must be loaded in trucks engine. employed upon this work, to be paid and not in the van when crews are Tests conducted show that there is minimum Driver's rate of pay, but travelling as passenger. only about 56- cwt. of coal out of not prepared to allow time to be Upon the date mentioned by Driver bunker at Seymour. credited as driving time for incre- Cranston, when he complained, ar- Do not consider it a hardship for ment purposes. rangements were made for the crate Fireman to shovel forward coal on to be placed in an empty truck. the up journey, if required. Acting Driver A. O. Lister, North Not prepared for Shed Staff at Sey- Melbourne, claim to be paid driv- mour to shovel forward coal. ing rate and time credited as driv- Cleaner Richardson, Dimboola, pro- ing time, for increment purposes, test against local caution for not Protest against new method of light- shift worked as Fireman on reporting for duty when notification ing up engines at North Melbourne, 2/5/31, owing to junior man being left at his home by Caller-up on which results in cabs being badly utilised for driving duty. 24/3/31. moked. Matter investigated. Claim by Lis- Not prepared to alter previous de- Have taken matter up with North ter to be granted. cision as this is simply a local cau- Melbourne, and complaint is due to tion, as when Richardson returned instructions issued not being properly Driver H. Sutton, North Melbourne, home consider he should have got in carried out, as the new method which complaint of unnecessary altera- touch with Fitter-in-Charge to see is in operation at all other- Depots tion to shifts on 28th and 29/4/31. ]f another Fireman had been obtained avoids the smoking of the engine cab. Matter investigated. Satisfied that

120 July-August, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE. August 6, 1931

Sutton had just cause for complaint. Request that definite assurance be Super Cleaner Gay, Geelong, protest Regret inconvenience caused, action given that if an Engineman who against rate of pay being further taken which should prevent com- works on a public holiday does not reduced. plaints of this nature arising in the make application for extra day's Gay did not maintain 277 days' future. pay, that this will be regarded as higher-grade work in the immediate exercising option to have the day preceding two years, so his rate of Protest against notice posted Balla- added to his annual leave. pay has been adjusted in accordance rat, that the Driver after lighting Definite instructions forwarded all with provisions of Classification up at Newlyn must stack wood. Depots that, for penalty days, if an Board's Award. Notice posted is not a Head Office employee does not apply for the extra Official explanation has been for- instruction. Matter should be taken day's pay by the end of the period warded to Gay. up with D.R.S.S. in which the day is worked, that this (Matter taken up locally, and no- day will then be added to his annual Driver Mitchell, Bright, further claim tice withdrawn.) leave. for time allowance attending to Driver-in-Charge duties, as allow- Request that additional time be al- Fireman Field, North Melbourne, re- ance of sixpence per day cancelled lowed to Mildura Enginemen when quest that payment for working on since transfer of one man from leaving engine in siding, as 10 three penalty days during Christ- Bright. mins. insufficient for work that has mas holidays, for which he was paid Not prepared to grant any allow- to be performed. the penalty without application, be ance, as consider Mitchell has ample Not prepared to grant additional recorded as over-payment, and he time to attend to Driver-in-Charge allowance, although previously the have the right of having these three duties during the time that he is paid Department offered to increase time days added to his annual leave. for by the Department. to 12 mins., but this offer was re- Matter adjusted. Instructions is- jec4nr1 by the Union. sued three days to be shown as over- Acting Fireman Kerr, North Mel- Mildura Enginemen are adopting payment and included in Field's ac- bourne, claim to be paid firing rate the practice of not examining engine cumulated shortage shift worked cleaning, 25/4/31, on underneath, and in future, if engine account cf being taken o ff his regu- is not examined underneath the Cleaner Penhall, Ballarat, protest lar shift, as he would have obtained Driver . will only be allowed 35 mms. against being called upon to pay firing had he remained on his ros- to stable engine, but the Fireman, as V.R.I. Fees, as resigned twelve tered shift. he completes his work, will be al- months ago. Not prepared to grant claim, as lowed full 40 mins. General Secretary V.R.I. has no re- Kerr's shift was altered so that he cord of Penhall's resignation, but will would be available for firing duty, al- Driver Grant, North Melbourne, pro- give Penhall benefit of the doubt, and though admit that had he remained test against not being paid for all will adjust his fees accordingly. on his original shift he would have time at Lancefield, on account of not secured firing duty. . obtaining shunting docket, shift Protest against Cleaners employed worked 7/4/31. upen shed work at Ararat being Cleaner Hind, Benalla, application re- Previously decided this time to be taken off this work, which resulta fund fares paid Banella to Mel- considered as "passive" time and sub- in working of short time. bourne to enquire why he was not ject to deduction of two hours, as Necessary to remove Cleaners on entitled to annual leave. Grant received two t rip allowances account of not sufficient work for Not prepared to grant application, for this shift. shed staff. Shed staff being rationed as Hind was definitely notified before Now decided Grant to be paid at more severely than Enginemen. leaving Benalla that he was not en- "active" time for whole of the time titled to annual leave, so he came to at Lancefield, less one hour, as speed Acting Fireman Robertson, Traral- Melbourne on his own account, and is chart shows that engine was standing gon, application that he be regarded not entitled to refund of fare. for over one hour. as filling full-time position Staff Board has now agreed to Driver-in-Charge Hankin, Driver J. Clark, North Melbourne, recommendation, and Ro bertson is to Rail Motor complaint of not being paid for be regarded as filling full-time firing application for increased rate of time attending R.M.O. for exami- position. pay. nation. Have had interview with Hankin, Matter adjusted. Clark claimed Fireman Burns, North Melbourne, but not prepared to recommend in- crease, as if nankin were appointed the additional time on his Running protest against being returned to Leading Hand Motor Mechanic he Sheet for the day, and the claim for North Melbourne from Jolimont, attending R.M.O. was overlooked by where he was acting as Electric would not receive as high a rate as Timekeeper at North Melbou rne. Loco Assistant, whilst Junior Fire- at present. man Gordon is retained at Jolimont Driver England, Ballarat, claim to be as Acting Electric Loco Assistant. Acting Driver Gilchrist, Ararat, ap' paid special class allowance whilst Records show that in February, plication to be paid driving rate on annual leave. 1929, State-wide applications were in- whilst on annual leave. England not entitled to allowance vited from Firemen who were desir- Matter finalised. As the only whilst on annual leave, as the Ballarat ous of being trained for extra work lower-grade work performed by Gil- Passenger Roster now includes a con- as Electric Loco Assist ants. Gordon christ was travelling time in connec - siderable amount of mixed work, so was appointed at this time, but Burns tion with driving duty he is to be England would not receive the allow- did not apply. paid driving rate whilst on annual ance for each day during the two During November. 1929, applica- leave. months preceding date of leave tions were invited at North Mel- bourne only for Fireman to act as Driver Titter. Norh Melbourne, no re- Protest against junior man at Sey- Electric Loco Assistants. It was in! ply to application to be removed mour being selected to relieve the response to this application that permanently from footplate Foreman on Saturday afternoons, Burns was appointed. Have recommended to Commis - with"nt apnlications being invited Consider that Gordon has claim sioners that Titter be removed from for this work over Bu rns for relieving work, but footplate for two years, and that his Matter in hand with Seymour. No if it comes to a question of perma- seniority be conserved for this'Pe - authority given from Head Office to nent appointment, then seniority liod. Papers at present with Coal' select junior man for this work. should be the determining factor. missioners.

August 6, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE July-August, 1931 121

Driver Tyre11, North Melbourne, claim to review when Mr. Harries, Depot for additional expenses on account present method of rationing is more Foreman, returns from holidays, as of having to go to shed to sign off economical and the amount of he was previously opposed to this duty when relieved and booked to arrangement. Chargeman's work has considerably rest at Bendigo. decreased. Request for definite ruling as to Not prepared to grant claim, as Cleaner Penhall, Ballarat, application whether Returned Soldiers who Depot Foreman, Bendigo, reports for increased rate on account of work on Anzac Day have the right there was no need for crew to go to having completed five years' adult of an extra day's leave to be added shed to sign off, as if they desired to annual leave. service as Cleaner. to notify Foreman where staying, this Recommendation forwarded to Returned Soldiers who work on could have been done by phone from Commissioners for Penhall to be paid Anzac Day are to be given the option Castlemaine, where relieved, or by increased rate. of an extra day's pay or to have the phone from Signal Box. Not pre- Driver Trueman and others, Benalla, day added to their annual leave, the pared to withdraw instruction con- same as applies when working on protest against being paid an extra tained in C.M.E.'s Book of Instruc- eight hours for working on King's other penalty days tions—that a crew when booked to Birthday, as they desire the extra rest at foreign depot must notify Protest against regressed Tradesmen, day added to annual leave. Foreman of where they will be rest- Maryborough Dist rict, still being Records show a number of men at ing. for cleaning and firing utiliséd Benalla were paid an extra eight Rail Motor Driver McDonald, Echuca, hours for working on King's Birth- work whilst Permanent men are complaint of alteration of shifts on working short time. day, although they did not apply for account of having to do Transporta- Records show Maryborough Engine- same. This is contrary to Classifica- tion work as Guard. tion Board's interpretation, and mat- men still working full time. As soon Matter now adjusted. On account as they are receiving less than even ter to be adjusted by the men being of falling off in Traffic, Transporta- regarded as having been time, will arrange foi Tradesmen to over-paid tion Branch will not require Rail be returned to Workshops. one day, and the over-payment to be Motor Drivers to do ordinary Guard's . added to accumulated shortage. work. Protest from Enginemen at Heales- Acting Driver Mitchell, Bendigo, pro- ville against two intervals at Lily- Protest against North Melbourne test against only being paid 13/11 dale being added together, and if crews running passenger train to per day when driving. exceeding one hour the hour is de- Ararat being booked to rest for less Rate to be adjusted. Mitchell en- than eight hours. ducted when the t rip allowance is titled to 14/10 per day, whether em- paid. Arrangements made for crew to be ployed upon driving or firing duty. relieved on arrival, and engine This is in accordance with decision to be of Staff Board. Men notified to this prepared and brought on to train. Cleaner Richards, North Melbourne, effect. They will then have over seven hours' interval. claim to be paid one day suspended, Protest against 18/3/31, on account of Manor col- relieving Driver being sent to work off annual leave at This arrangement was made for lision. Yarram whilst Korumburra. Drivers the purpose of providing more work Authority issued Richards to be are firing. for Ballarat crews, as Ballarat men paid this day at firing rate. Relieving Driver sent to ease the are working considerably less time than North Melbou position at North Melbou rn rne men. Cleaner Richards, North Melbourne, e, as Ko- claim to rumburra men are not working short be paid firing rate shift time. The last four periods, average Fireman Sadlier, Dimboola, applica- worked cleaning, 19/3/31, on ac- tion refund fares paid by wife, time paid was as follows:-12 days 11 count of being debarred from firing Dimboola to Melbourne, to visit hours; 12 days 1 hour; 12 days 0i work and junior man utilised for Medical Adviser; also application hour; 12 days 0i hour. • firing. for pass to enable wife to return to Records show that two Cleaners Dimboola. Protest against Mildura crew, after whom Richards stated were employed Refund approved, running passenger train Donald to and pass will be firing on this date were not so em- issued as desired. Mildura, having to leave engine ployed. One Cleaner was off duty prepared on Saturdays for 2.30 and the other performed full-shift p.m. Ouyen goods. Driver Robertson, Wonthaggi, appli- cleaning. cation for transfer to North Mel- Arrangements now made for pre- bourne. Not prepared to pay Richards at paration of this engine to be done by firing rate for this shift. Hostler Langley, who has now been Notice posted North Melbourne but as no North Melbourne D certified as competent to prepare and river is pre-. Protest against Acting Driver, when stable engines. pared to exchange with Robertson, booked hustling at Ballarat, not be- cannot grant his request. ing taken off hostling work when Protest against Labourer Tarrant, driving duty becomes available. Protest against Mildura crew being Geelong, being utilised for clean- Cannot agree to request, as Depot booked to rest ing duty, as Geelong men are not at Red Cliffs. Foreman reports it is impracticable, Arrangements now made for crew working full time. and would necessitate avoidable call- to travel to Red Cliffs by 5 a.m. train, Tarrant previously transferred to ing-up. relieve at 6.30 a.m., and although this cleaning work, but as permanent men Record kept for two weeks as to crew will have to work excessive were not receiving full time, in ac- effect of complying with suggestion. hours, will arrange for crew to have cordance with Commissioners' in- pull file of papers forwarded to 12 hours' interval before commencing struction, Tarrant is not now utilised Branch Secretary at Ballarat. duty, and also 12 hours' interval at for cleaning work. the termination of this shift. Remiest that Cleaners on day shift at Protest against Chargeman at Traral- Ballarat have half-hour lunch inter- Driver Sheers, Ballarat, protest gon being rationed by working less val instead of one hour, as at pre- against being rationed whilst on than eight hours each day, instead sent. light duty, owing to injuries re- of having a straight-out half-day made for off per week. ceived on duty. shifts to be 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Not prepared to make any altera- Instructions issued that whilst em- half-hour for lunch. This is subject ployed on light duty Sheers is to be tion, as District Officers report the given even time • ^ August 6, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE. _ 122 July-August, 1931 —

of man being master of the machine. When new inventions are made. it generally means greater productivity, Open Page but less manual labour is required, throwing on the scrap heap thousands EQUALISATION OF TIME AND A butchery by enginemen of running of people yearly. In a proper balanced schedules, to total disregard of speed state of society there should be REMEDY. restrictions that are noticeable every neither rich nor poor. We would then To the Editor, "Footplate." Sir,—In your columns of late many oay, and the risks airily incurred in considerHe furthereither state states just that as Iabhorrent. look f or- movem articles have appeared bearing on the engine shunting and train reveal that luck is largely depended ward to the populations ofHere all re- countries being "controlled." phases n the past and p upon to see us through safely. again I think Mr. Higgs mis-reads sent political, economic and social con In my opinion, men who wreck en- - again The idea that I meant tom convey toms under which we live, each con gins schedules, ignore speed restric was not that whole populationspopulations could advance his or the ills er tions and signal aspects, are incom- be controlled, but that individual panacea for the ills thereof, but, up to petent and inefficient, and should be panacea would by birth control limit the date, I have not seen any attempt to p with accordingly. ding up with family according to the economic deal with the question which bears tot ) bbee an epidemic of speedingeding appears c sition, and thereby the population very heavily upon us economically at an absolute disregard of common p : the present juncture, and which is safety principles, and such conditions of eachI do country not think would that be Mr. controlled. Higgs has known as "Equalisation of Time." xnust inevitably lead to disaster, and The social and economic problems punishment follows as invariably as been in touch with many Communists or Socialists, because he would not of to-day provide excellent material night follows daday. saysa that they never never wanted to controlcontrol for academic discussion and debate, t may be argued that the increase ! s that they but v a to ro l but I contend that we, as an organisa- in time worked through observance of low. He would know that self- tion of engineman, should busy our- safety principles would react ad ciplis ane of the fundamental ate d ne time,e with such g e versely on the revenue. In reply to f undame . I diat discipli es isin both their as shortshortsh tim and similar immmeeti that I would point out the conserva- would point out that individual effort disabilities, before extending our tion of fuel and water effected, the cannot lead us to any direction but to efforts on a State, nation or world- reduction in costly repairs and re- capitalism, which has proved a rank wide basis. Let us, then, discuss this placements to rolling stock and mate- failure, providing as it does 20 per equalisation of time, and a possible rials, in addition to reduction of claims cent. of the people with luxury and remedy. against damaged freight would more comfort, while the great masses just The policy of the A.F.U.L.E. has than offset the increase in time in- struggle for existence. I would sug- been consistently uncompromisingly volved. gest to Mr. Higgs that the birthright hostile to rationing in any shape or In conclusion, I desire to urge upon of each individual is to share equally form, and solely due to the strenuous every engineman to learn more about with his fellow-man all things in the efforts of our officers. Enginemen to- his job, to hasten slowly, cut out community in which he lives. If the day are in a relatively better position speeding up, observe speed restric- race is to reach a high standard of than any other section of daily paid tions and running schedules, and to intelligence, then egotism, which is a men. The system under which we generally practise "safety first" prin- product of capitalism, must be elimi- work means that, should traffic ciples, and it will be found that the nated. This can only be done when -crease in the future, the opportunity equalisation of time disability will man obtains the correct outlook upon to make up all short time will present automatically disappear.—LEO DAT- life. Man acts according to his en- itself. Rationing means that all short SON, Central. vironment; his greed is the result of time is for ever lost, which is a very the present state of society. He will different proposition. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE eventually reach an advanced state of Loud complaints are heard from a HOLD? altruism when he will be living for section of our men, advocating ration- the service of his fellow-man, but this Commis- To the Editor. ing from the Chairman of Sir,—Under the heading of "What will only be possible when individual sioners downwards. This contention effort and capitalism have dis- is merely a reversal of policy, and Does the Future Hold?" in the June- appeared. The fruits of material pro- when we advocate rationing for the July issue of "The Footplate," Mr. F. gress can only be equitably distributed other fellow, we advocate it for our- M. Higgs offers a little friendly criti- when we discontinue the profit-mak- selves, and the placing of all officers cism of my article, "Yesterday, To- ing system, and produce for use. Only on short time would not provide one day and To-morrow," which appeared when this happens will the masses be hour's additional work for us, as any in the previous issue. I am afraid able to claim their birthright.— saving of revenue effected by such that my friend does not grasp my NORMAN PULI,AR. means would be swallowed up in the conception of "To-morrow." First of million pounds deficit in the railways' all, Mr. Higgs states that poverty is the shadow of progress, and that the the budget. OPEN PAGE APPRECIATED. There is a better remedy lying close greater the civilisation the greater to our hand, and is wrapped up in this poverty. I cannot agree with him on To the Editor, "Footplate." ter exhortation:—"Enginemen, know your this point. I contendthat Sir,—May I say how I appreciate to show ater job." The principle of safety first is the poverty only goes your "Open Page" and its contents in civilisation. the one of the most important applicable greater lack of At recent issues of "The Footplate." It to our calling, and when we realise the present time, machinery, is good stuff. Many of your readers thousands of daily breaches of this being beneficial to man, and making have not the time nor inclinations to rule all over the State, and set out his hours of labour shorter, and his better, actually read books on economics. Here they determinedly to eliminate them, then working conditions are getting the essence of many eco - will we discover that there is full time does not improve his position at all. nomic truths, which may lead them to for every engineman. The wholesale The machine is master of man instead August 6, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE July-August, 1931 123

a wider reading and study of those things, Winwood Reade's "Martyrdom ficial to very important things. the workers, but more often of Man" will help wonderfully. it led to terrible sufferings and degra- Let us take the items in your June- In conclusion, let me quote a few dation of the masses. If one had not July issue. The first on Henry George lines from R. M. Maciver's "Social read history, it would be easy to and his philosophy—I had almost Science":— imagine that the invention of labor- written religion. It carries me back "The conditions of modern economic saving machinery must have been a to the time, nearly 40 years ago, life seem to have unduly stimulated heaven-sent blessing to all mankind, when I first read that wonderful book extrinsic interests . The faculty but facts of industrial history show "Progress and Poverty.' The writer of 'getting on' is exalted, and the that machinery produced just the of the letter, F. M. Higgs, bears a faculty of appreciation, the power to opposite. familiar name. Was there not a understand and to enjoy is weakened. Let us take just a brief review of the Higgs prominent in the old "Bea- Hence an important aspect of social effects in the textile trade. As soon con"—Max Hirsch days of the education consists in the restoration as a few factories began to make 'nineties ? It is good to find the old of the balance between extrinsic and cloth by machine, the price of cloth name still carrying the torch of the intrinsic interests, and in the emphasis single tax to enlighten the world. began to drop, and the hundreds of on the superior worth of the intrinsic. thousands of men who were still Fred Judkins asks, "What is wrong The true relation between the two has weaving on their old-fashioned hand- with our social system ?" and he been summed up for all time in the looms found starvation staring them makes a very good if brief reply to contrast between the fripperies of the in the face. The misery and poverty the question. And the answer is much-possessing Solomon and the of the hand-loom weavers was one of added to in Norman Pullar's well- steadfast beauty that the flower of the the greatest tragedies of nineteenth reasoned letter on "Industrialists field weaves silently for its garment." century history. As a rule cheap labor Must Have Control of the Labour --Yours, etc., was the order of the day; the factories Movement." My old friend and work- HENRY POTTAGE, wanted unskilled labor. Spinning mate, "Dick" James, of Ararat, is not Coleraine. Ex-Driver. wheels, machines and automatic afraid of even the mighty daily press looms could be —or should I say sup-press! tended by women and _ In this children as well as men. In fact, connection I would like to say that WORKERS AWAKEN, OR BACK I children were actually preferred, be- think one of the greatest calamaties TO THESE CONDITIONS. cause they were cheaper and easier that has befallen the Labour move- To the Editor of "Footplate." to manage. In the cotton mills, most ment in Australia was when a certain Sir,—Having already dealt with the of the employees were children and powerful red-coloured Sydney weekly effects of the commercial revolution, women. Even in the mines women went over to the enemy, lock, stock which was the chief factor in the and children were used. In "Traill's and barrel. I date this from the time financial revolution, let us now . deal Social England," a picture is pub- when big business, i.e., capitalism, with the effect the industrial revolu- lished showing a woman on hands and commenced to buy full pages of that tion had in the consolidation of capi- knees pulling along a truck of coal paper for its advertisements. The talism under-the wage system. No by means of a strap attached to her arguments for and against the Lang other event in all modern history has body.. This picture was published by Plan are all interesting as showing made more tremendous changes in the the Royal Commission which investi- that the correspondents are able to life of the common man, or opened gated labor conditions in British think, and are capable of giving ex- up wider avenues of human progress, mines in 1842 A.D. Children of pression to their thoughts. The letter or caused keener suffering and discon- paupers were forced to work; some- on "The Powers of Finance," by Jas. tent. Millions upon millions of work- times they were practically bought B. Bull, is perhaps the most ably ing people who had previously labored and sold in batches like cattle or written letter in the issue. The in their own homes with hand-looms slaves. It has been published that writer gives in a column or two an or simple tools, now were forced to more than one factory was filled with epitome of the rise of the capitalistic leave their homes to work as wage- pauper children brought from London system, banking, the industrial revolu- earners in the factories, mines, and or some other large city. An investi- tion and kindred matters, which have mills, which had, up to this time, been gation in the year 1816 A.D. showed taken able writers whole books to ex- very few, but soon became very that children began to work in the pound. numerous. This change produced al- cotton mills at five, six or seven years I would suggest that your contribu- most incredible suffering and hard- of age. In some of the factories, the tors give the names of books on ship at first, and also intense dissatis- working day was anywhere from four- political economy, etc., which they faction among the working classes. teen to eighteen hours. Even the have found helpful in the study of Capitalism gained immensely in youngest children were working from the so-called "dismal science." This power and importance, as the new four o'clock in the morning till nine would help those who are not so well factories, mines, and railways were or ten o'clock at night; this left only r< ad on these matters. I have found owned and controlled by capitalistic five or six hours for sleep, very little "The Acquisitive Society," by R. H. employers. The old restrictions im- time for meals, no time for play or Tawney, very fine. "Modern Economic posed upon industry and trade by education. This excessive labor, under History," by H. Heaton, M.A., con- guilds and mercantilist statesmen the capitalistic wage system, produced tains much valuable information to we were swept away to clear the fields stunted bodies, deformed backs, Australians. R. M. Maciver's "Ele- for free business competition. This horribly twisted legs and sunken e ments of Social Science," and "Eco- was but a temporary phase. Industry chests. The foreman of a factory had nomics," by Henry Clay, M.A., are and commerce expanded with great a right, or at least he had the power, [t well worth perusal. Our old friend, strides, soon overshadowing agricul- to beat or torture children who fell W. G. Spence, in "Australia's Awaken- ture, flooding the markets with asleep at their work, or who broke ;o ing," should stir the blood of those machine-made goods at low prices, the rules of the factory. One might who have not read of the struggles of populations increased very rapidly in ask why did the parents allow this to unionism in the 'nineties of last cen- industrial and commercial cities. In take place ? The plain fact is this. tury. And if the student wishes to some cases the change from home to There was nothing else to do, unless gc back to the very beginning of factory may have become more bane- one wished to starve; no legal right August 6, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE. 124 July-August, 1931

hold what you now have, little as it of unemployed walk the streets. Thou- to work, no legal right to live. There children are suffering from is.—JAS. R. BULL. sands of appears to be a similar state of affairs mal-nutrition and prone to every looming in Australia to-day. When epidemic and disease. They can be the capitalistic masters in the near WHAT MUST WE DO TO BE seen rummaging in the garbage tins future get the right to free labor con- SAVED? for food. inadequate soup kitchens ditions again, look around at the are maintained by the charity of great numbers of unemployed in our What a medley of ideas!. What dis- those not yet dead to human suffer- exists! How helpless midst at the present time. What are organisation ing. The worn-out clothes of those feel! What is the cause their legal rights to the production of the workers in work are handed over to the un- mankind and the legal right to work ? of it all? Comrade, worker, how fortunates who have not that privi- But to return to our subject. If the simple you have been in the past! lege. Many thousands of those in workman refused to work for small How gullable! How easily you have work are earning less than the under- wages, to work sixteen hours per day, • been led along the paths that capi- basic wage. Doles, dejec- Y ou estimated or let his wife and children work, he talism has prepared tor you! tion, demoralisation and despair exist had no other resources to fall back now find yourself cut off from your at every turn. Political action has upon; he could not afford to travel objective. You find yourself flounder- not saved the worker. Rather has it ing in a morass of contradictions and around looking for better paid work; deceived and discarded him in favor he could not buy bread without wages. impossibilities. In a dazed way, you of the real controllers of govern- When the father was too dear to em- are looking for a way out. It's ments. A more dismal failure it is ploy, children were forced to earn food straight talk you want, not palava. hard to imagine. Enthusiasts have for parents. When the factories pro- Truce not fiction; action, not pro- worked for political representation, duced an over supply of goods, they mises; leaders, not capitalist apolo- and recent elections would lead one closed down for a time. The em- gists and pleaders, and an industrial to believe it had lbeen obtained. The ployees were discharged. In such objective, not political hopelessness. mirage fades from the view and we periods the unemployed workers lived If you are a mouse, then don't pre- see capitalism still perpetuated and on the edge of starvation, a great num- tend to be a man; but if you feel you being stabilised by those who mas- ber slipped over the edge to eternal are a man, don't look and act like a querade under the name of the Labor peace. One of the results of this was mouse. Do you get that? You have Party. Labor's erstwhile leaders the growth of unhealthy and squalid heard of Eureka. No political action consort and confer with the paid slums. The workers lived in miserable there. No Arbitration Courts. No hirelings of capitalism, some of whom little houses, closely packed together, so-called Labor Party. It was purely at least had the courage to throw off an industrial fight. Every Australian the mask and cut loore from thq no gardens, parks or lawns, without Lab- proper sanitation or ventilation. Many is proud of Eureka. raven the press sorry farce and now openly obey or's enemies where previously they a damp and dark cellar served pretends to admire those rebels who as "home" for a whole family; fought and won the tight against did so incognitio. Comrade, we have not been saved, fevers and diseases played havoc oppression. It was the same greedy exploitation that was responsible for we have been sold. in the industrial towns. Such It is rather late, but imperative to conditions were not favorable to the shearers' strike, and the great maritime strike in the early nineties, get back to our base of operations. morality and home life. Modesty and We must start the tedious climb all virtue were harder to maintain. The and still we see the forces of reaction are abroad with the same object in over again, profiting by past exper- same is to-day in our midst. When ience and avoiding political side families were in the one "house or view, to make the worker a revenue- and profit-earning animal. The tracks. hovel," men and women took to gin The new industrial movement drinking. This dulled their sufferings, worker's relation to the capitalist of finance is the same as the should be organised on lines of indus- though it made their poverty worse. lords try and advance under the one union Being uneducated, children soon farm horse is to the farmer. 'W e banner. The objective should be soc- learned the vices of the grown-ups. have for years struggled to improve, ialisation of industry and such pol- What family life was like under such and hoped to overcome, that inhuman itical or administrative functions as circumstances, in these "hovels" of an relationship, and looked forward to are necessary should be handled by industrial city, with ignorance, the day when exploitation and rob- representatives pledged to and elected poverty, hunger, dirt, diseases, and bery of man by man would cease. To by industrial sections. Iu-this case a vices as enemies, may be left, com- that end, Labor organised industrially. member will not represent a district rades, to your imaginations. Why are Upon that industrial organisation but an industry. He will, at all times most of the political "fakirs" of to- grew the political organisation, which be subject to recall, and will be eleg- day condoning the actions of the at the moment is destroying the ible only if he is a worker in the capitalistic money master monopoly parent organisation. Opportunists industry electing him. in their activities in the wage-assail and place-hunters, attracted by the Such an industrial parliament in the legal sphere ? This I will leave plaudits and cheap praise of the would provide all the legislation now to your own powers of reason. I will master, found industrial labor an neglected by the present -army of now close with these few comments of easy stepping-stone to political place time servers who have pledged them- philosophy:—(1) "Man's inhumanity and power. Industrial labor became selves to a constitution prepared for to man makes countless thousands weakened to the extent that it them by Labor's natural enemies. mourn" (from a great poet). (2) "A depended upon political favour. To a If you would be saved, fellow worker, you will not relegate to anY house of Labor divided amongst itself far too great extent it handed over its job to politicians, and depended outside creation the job that is inher- must soon fall." (3) "Union is be an asset to upon them to bring about the social ently your own. strength." You can THINK, WORK and ACHIEVE yourself, your children, the unborn, if revolution so much desired, and adver- through your union. you take an active interest in your tised in labor platforms and union How far have we ad- Forget the political sham fights own conditions of existence, by your objectives. • - vanced? Just take a glance over 30 that, although spectacular and pro neglect to do so you allow these fitable to the mummers, leave you a capitalistic money masters to domi- years of almost wasted effort. How much better oil are we in the mass disappointed and despised. nate. Do your duty to yourselves by CHAS. FRANKLIN. your active interest if you want to than at that distant date? Thousands August 6, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE. July-August, 1931 125 .

dance of members. It was decided to appoint two metropolitan members to Branch Reports the special A.L.P. conference, to be held on Saturday, July 25, in place BALLARAT.—The usual monthly adviser, which is always at our dis- of Messrs. Lewis and Stibbs. The meeting • of the Ballarat branch was posal if required. Traffic is very slack object was to economise in the ex- held in the waiting room, Ballarat in this district, and with the further penses of bringing country members East, on Sunday, July 12, before a curtailment of train service in the to Melbourne, and not out of any lack fair attendance of members. The winter time-table there will be less of confidence in the two members minutes of previous meeting being work, and members transferred to mentioned. It was moved as a recom- confirmed, correspondence and news other locations. The meeting ad- mendation to the executive that our letter were then dealt with, and journed for two minutes' silence in delegates be instructed to oppose any caused a large amount of discussion. sympathy for the relatives of our late motion or amendment that has for its Members, with one exception, seemed member, Comrade W. Anderson, who object the introduction - of the pleased with the policy adopted by was accidentally run over at Korong Premiers' plan. cur leaders. Questions to the chair Vale. Members also sympathise with The question of providing more came with the rapidity of machine- Comrade W. Allott, who also suffered work for cleaners was discussed at gun fire, but most of them being bereavement in the loss of his father- some length, and it was decided to blanks, nobody was injured. Much in-law. There were a few items listed urge the executive to make overtures amusement was caused when our well- for deputation to Loco Foreman, to have the work previously done by known consistent obstructionist was which should be dealt with locally. cleaners retained by them. seen to stand up and speak against a The meeting closed at 5 p.m.—V. A. The over-supervision introduced motion he had just seconded. For COLLINS. into the job was deprecated, and it some time, all members here have was pointed out that such waste and unnecessary expense was a burden the been rationed 1i days each period, but BENALLA.—The seventh monthly Railways should not be asked to carry. the present period we look like los- meeting of the Benalla Branch A motion was moved urging ing much more, through two more was held in the V.R.I. Hall, on equality of sacrifice throughout the trains being taken away to other July 12. Comrade Alexander pre- service. This was forwarded to the depots. This has been done to enable sided over a fair attendance of mem- a petrol-electric to run between Gee- bers. There were many vacant chairs Executive. A number of alterations to rules for long and Ballarat. We cannot under- available. It is hard to understand discussion by annual conference were stand why this has been done. The why many more of our members do sent on for inclusion on the agenda steam train could take at least 150 not attend these meetings. Many are paper. A motion that we withdraw tans of goods besides the passengers, evidently satisfied to vent their affiliation from the A.L.P. was lost, as and did the trip a few minutes faster, grievances around the shed instead of was also one that the typist's salary wnile no expenses or interval time had coming along to the proper place, and be reduced to award rates. It was to be paid to train crews. Under the helping their officers to help them. decided to refer the secretary's salary new system, over-night expenses to There is no doubt that the time has to conference for a decision. motorman and interval time to train arrived when the loyal support of That the Trades Hall Council dele- crew is incurred daily, and every member is sadly needed. The gate be elected by the whole of the goods trains per week will be required secretary read the minutes of the membership, and that annual con- to transport the goods previously previous meeting, which were con- ference meet each alternate year, were taken rapidly by the mixed trains. firmed in the usual manner. The cor- motions sent on. One of our oldest comrades, whose respondence and news letter was then That Rules 26 and 65 be reviewed thoughts were always for those in a dealt with, and same caused a fair by conference, as it was considered worse position than himself is shortly amount of discussion. During same it that they conflict in regard to the to retire, and it was decided to ask was learnt with regret that a few of general secretary's superannuation that he be allowed to work full time our members are on the unfinancial scheme. It was also decided to for his last few days if necessary at list. It was decided to request our suggest to conference that a reduction our expense. This was brought about general secretary to get in touch with of contributions be made. through a Driver here being rationed them when most convenient. General Notice of motions were given:-- on his last day before retirement. A business was of rather slack nature, That local conference be abolished, lively and interesting meeting closed but there were a number of items and that an organising committee be at 5.30 p.m.—A. CLACK. listed for deputation to Depot Fore- appointed. Meeting closed at 7.15 man, which we hope to have settled p.m.—CHAS. FRANKLIN. BENDIGO.—The meeting of the locally. The Oakland run always Bendigo Branch was held in the comes up for a fair discussion. The Drivers' Room, at 2.30 p.m., on July hours worked on this run are far too COLAC.—The usual monthly meet- 12, Mr. Giovanetti in the chair. There long, but evidently unavoidable. Work ing of the Colac Branch was held in was a fair attendance of members pre- at this depot is still on the slack side. Institute Rooms on Sunday, July 12, sent. The correspondence and news You hear plenty of complaints of not there being very fair attendance, letter was read and listened to with getting full time, but we are hoping though like other centres plenty of great interest, and members present things will soon take a turn for the room for others, and also plenty of were very pleased that the Executive better. As there was no further busi- room for suggestions to improve the was successful in getting Comrade ness, the chairman decided to close enginemen's job. We seem to be Kitto £100 for injuries received whilst the meeting at 4.35 p.m.—G. R. getting increased loads and worse on duty. This is a case that should THOMPSON. conditions, and a big decrease in pay bC a lesson to all members to make sheets. Now although the Western themselves financial, because one CENTRAL.—The seventh ordinary District must be paying well, we are never knows when they require the meeting of the above branch was held all anxious to see the next move in assistance of the Union, or our legal on July 12. There was a good atten- the railroad shuffle, which is seemingly 126 July-August, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE. August 6, 1931 going to affect many of the men. Some ficate, and assured him it would al- future cases to be forwarded direct to of the passenger running seems to be ways occupy a place of honor in his head office. No further business for doing away with the 8-hour principle, home, and would serve to remind him, the good of enginemen in general. where it is unnecessary, and bad not that he would require reminding, The chairman closed the meeting at from a health and social point of of the many friends he had made, and 1 p.m.—ALEX. CHISHOLM. view. Up to date, it is hard for us the ups and downs he had encountered to pat Mr. Hogan on the back, and during his life-time on the railways. ECHUCA.—The monthly meeting say, as we should be able to say to A very pleasant and enjoyable was held on Sunday, July 12, in any Labor leader, "Well done, thou evening came to a close with the sing- Drivers' Room, at 10.30 a.m. Corn- good and faithful servant." WeW are ing of Auld Lang Syne. rade Granger presided over a fair pleased to see our Executive putting On Sunday afternoon, July 19, the attendance of members. Minutes of up a fight against rationing, -as usual meeting of the branch was held, previous meeting were read and con- rationing and short time would be Chairman Jack Howlett presiding firmed. Correspondence and the news rather hard together, especially when over only a fair attendance of mem- letter were read and dealt with. One there seems to be plenty of cash bers, considering that we had with us new member nominated. No suggested somewhere to pay salaries. After to give an address Comrade Bill alterations to rules, but members dis- the news letter and correspondence, Lewis, Vice-President of the Division. agree with Executive's proposal to re- and general business was finished After the minutes had been passed of place Comrades Stibbs and Lewis as with, the rest of the time was spent our previous meeting, and correspon- A.L.P. delegates. • A very pleasant in discussing the possibility of shift- dence and several items of local function took place in the Drivers' ing, and members went home with interest dealt with, Bill gave those Room on July 2, when members and great uncertainty as to where their present a most interesting address on representatives of all grades of the next meeting would be held.—E.M. the doings of things in general, and service met to wish bon voyage to an there is no doubt that the visit of old employee in the person of Mr. Executive members to country G, Shugg, after 42 years' service. Al- DONALD.—On Saturday evening, branches is of a highly interesting though not a member of the July 18, a large attendance of mem- nature, and very educational to A.F.U.L.E.. W. Shugg, or George, as bers of the A.F.U.L.E. and A.R.U. country members. At the conclusion he is better known by, was held in assembled in the Drivers' Room to say of the address a hearty vote of thanks very high esteem by everyone. After farewell to Driver Dick Dugan, who was moved by Fred Rowley, seconded all grades had spoken of the sterling had reached retiring age, after forty- by Jack Howard, and carried with qualities of Mr. Shugg, our Fitter-in two and a half years' service. A most acclamation. Charge, in a very able speech, pre- enjoyable evening was spent, several Seeing that the hour was getting sented Mr. Shugg with a beautiful toasts being honored, and songs and late, Bill briefly responded, and mem- arm chair, when everyone present other items, rendered by various bers departed for home and tea feel- joined in singing, "For He's a Jolly artists, were greatly appreciated. We ing sorry that owing to the lateness Good Fellow," the gathering dis- had with us Fireman Bill Pearson, of the hour they could not hear more persed. from Mildura, whose rendering of "In of Bill and his exposition of the Work here is just keeping us a the Old Bark Hut" was a pronounced various ills that beset us in these little above even time, and the men success. But his following item in times of gloom and depression.—C. H. are gradually making up their accu- the description of how Ben Hall's dog, MORRISON. mulated shortage. Of course, we are Shammy, got defeated in the Donald included in a further reduction of Cup brought the house down. trains, but it is too soon to say how During the evening, C. Morrison, on DIMBOOLA. — The ordinary it will affect us, we hope not to our behalf of the Railways' boys, handed monthly meeting of the Dimboola disadvantage. No local complaints, our retiring comrade a handsome Branch was held at 10.30 a.m., July which speaks well for the Fitter-in- travelling rug and box of cigars. And 12, Mr. Sadlier presiding on account Charge, who does his best for us all. in the course of his remarks wished of the chairman being absent on duty Meeting closed 12.45 p.m.=-F. J. our old comrade many years of health at Ararat. The attendance, it is pleas- THORNE. and happiness to enjoy the comforts ing to state, did improve a little, but of the rug, and the cigars would, he plenty of room yet for the laggards, JOLIMONT.—The Jolimont Branch hoped, tend to sooth his nerves should and especially those that do complain held its ordinary meeting in the Loca he fall to thinking of the job he had about the shed of what ought to be Hall, on Sunday, July 12, at 10.30 a.m. held down for so long. In which re- done. Let those of this class have the Minutes of previous meeting were marks he was supported by Messrs. courage to debate the items upon the read and confirmed. The question of Ern and Les Walker, Joe Lyndon, J. floor of the meeting rooms. Work at booking off on the day shift was again Whittaker, Bill Turner, and various this depot generally speaking is quiet, before the meeting, and the pros and others. Old Dick, in responding, and ten days being the order of things cons of the system debated. Mr. T. thanked all those present for the pre- per period, and with such, things are Smith, who was handling this matter, sent they had given him, and the what may be termed tough. Arising was present, and he reported that he send-off. He had seen many ups and from the meeting, many good items had gone into the question very fully, downs in the railways, and hoped the were brought along for debate, and and his opinion was that you would present dark clouds of depression especially the way the Department have to book off all the Sunday time would soon roll away, and things come runs the traffic to suit nobody, also on day shift, and he was not prepared good again. the patronage extended to those that to recommend that to the members, Towards the conclusion of the even- do patronise our calling, namely, the and after discussion the meeting de- ing, Bill Lewis presented our retiring railways. Many items being listed cided to postpone the question for one comrade, on behalf - of the organisa- to Fitter in Charge, and D.R.S.S., and month to see if the system could be tion, with a retiring member's certi- by the way the latter being very slow improved upon. The news letter was ficate. to reply, the secretary was instructed taken first, and members were very In replying, our old comrade by . the branch to have the items pleased to hear that through the thanked Comrade Lewis for the certi- cleared up otherwise, and for the instrumentality of Mr. C. Collins and August 6, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE. July-August, 1931 127

the general officers, that our former motion for next meeting.—That A. list of correspondence, which was comrade, W. J. Kitto, was granted and B roster be pooled and worked as read and listened to with keen in- £100 compensation from the Commis- one roster. Meeting closed at 1.10 terest. There was a lengthy discus- sioners, without admitting liability. p.m.—J. CROUGH. sion on the rationing question, the Mr. Kitto had no claim under the Loco. branch being the one that is being hit the hardest since the set- Workers' Compensation Act, on ac- KORUMBURRA. — The ordinary count of his receiving £360 per annum ting aside of the Federal Award. monthly meeting of Korumburra Things are very quiet around Ararat for the last three years that he Branch was held in the Class Room, worked. Another part of the news at present. Our supers are getting at 10.30 a.m., on July 12, Comrade a poor go just at present. There letter referred to Driver Dove being Dent in the chair. Minutes of pre- taken off passenger trains, as he was was a long list of correspondence for vious meeting were read and re- local conference. The branch officers considered not fit to run these impor- ceived. After discussing the Execu- would be pleased to see more of the tant trains, although it was stated tive action to appoint two delegates members come along to the meetings that Dove had been complimented by for the A.L.P. special conference to and take an interest in the union. departmental officers for running pas- displace Comrades Stibbs and Lewis. In these times of stress we want all senger trains to time. Dove was A motion was carried against this. members to help, and it is by all charged with running too fast over There were several items listed for members attending and discussing facing points, also running too fast deputation to the Depot Foreman. The Union matters that we hope to pro- when he had hot bearings, and not traffic in this district is easing off, gress. No further business for the practising safety first. The meeting in- there being two Drivers for each welfare of enginemen being forth- structed the secretary to post the part train, and Firemen are called upon to coming, • the chairman closed the of the news letter that referred to do the coal stage and also load the meeting, after a good debate on items Dove's case in the Union Notice Case ashes. As holidays are just about affecting all.—W. S. WARD. for the guidance of members gene- finished, things do not look too pro- rally to practise safety first. After mising for the remainder of the win- GEF:LONG. — Meeting held in the news letter was read, the meeting ter. While things are in this state. carried the following resolution: drivers' room at 2.30 p.m. on 12th the Supers. are likely to walk the July. Mr. Tighe presided. Consider- That the Jolimont Branch places on streets, and it will hit them hard, as record its appreciation of the good ing the bad weather, we had a good most of them are married men. Meet- attendance of members. It has been work done by the Divisional Secretary ing closed at 12.30 p.m.—G. THOMP- and the general officers in securing decided to hold meetings at 10 a.m. SON. Sunday morning to see if it will in- compensation for Comrade W. J. duce more members to attend. This Kitto. Correspondence from the Divi- is to be given a trial for six months. sional Secretary was then dealt with. WODONGA.—The usual monthly meeting of the Wodonga Branch was Re complaints made by Central The question of appointing two branch in connection with the run- delegates from the Executive in place held on Sunday, July 12, Comrade A. Hall presiding. Minutes of the pre- ning of the 12.30 a.m. up goods, it of W. Stibbs and A. C. Lewis, Won- was decided, after hearing the ex- thaggi and Traralgon respectively, to vious meeting being read and con- firmed, correspondence and news letter planation of the driver, that this attend the special conference on July branch take no further action in the 25. This change was recommended also received. The half-yearly contri- bution sheet also balance sheet were matter. Several items in correspond- by the Executive on the grounds of ence were dealt with and referred economy. There was a good deal of at the disposal of the members pre- sent. There were only a few mem- back to General Secretary. discussion on this subject, and the We cannot understand the Execu- bers that were on the unfinancial list meeting decided to oppose the Exe- tive's attitude in declining to get Special mention was made in reference cutive's recommendation, and allow legal advice on a very important mat- to the Super Cleaners for the good the two members that were appointed ter placed before it by this branch. to the Easter conference to sit at the response that they had made in hav- We have decided to oppose Execu- special conference on July 25. ing themselves financial on the books. tive's action re A.L.P. delegates, and Quite a number of transfers to and The next item was the suggested suggest that Messrs. Stibbs and Lewis from this centre have been made dur- alteration to rules for annual con- shall sit with Messrs. Drakeford and ing the past half-year. The work up ference. The only rule that the meet- Matherson. here is still on the lines of scarcity. ing decided to suggest an alteration General business items were nu- We have had great rains up here, merous, and the voting on one im- to was Rule 3. The alteration is to which has caused our River Murray read:—Bi-ennial instead of annual. portant motion was very close, it be- to extend its water over all the low- ing defeated by one vote. It is to There was some adverse criticism on lying country, and caused a consider- the proposed alteration, but members he hoped the men do not regret their able amount of damage and incon- allowed it to go on the agenda paper, decision. The meeting is the place venience, the stock traffic being ham- be further debated when to growl and to vote; it is no use as it could pered which indirectly affects our doing this round the taps or in the «elegates were instructed on items on lower grade members. As there was lobby. agenda paper. no further business, the chairman then Work is very slack at this depot, The question of A. McVeigh's con- closed the meeting at 12.50 p.m.—G. short time being the order of the day tributions was brought under notice H. LYNCH. (and the fortnight). A lot of altered by the secretary. McVeigh was off • running in this district is driving the sick for about four months before he men from the out-stations into the was retired by the R.M.O. Meeting ARARAT.—The ordinary monthly depot. Several items listed for depot decided to recommend to the Executive meeting of the Ararat branch was foreman and D.R.S.S. Meeting closed that his contributions be suspended held in the Institute on Sunday, 12th at 5.15 p.m.—L. H. HILLHOUSE. during the time he was off sick before July. The meeting was opened at 2.30 p.m. Comrade Smith presided he retired. over a poor attendance. The min- TRARALGON. — The ordinary Notice of motion for future debate. utes of previous meeting were read meeting of Traralgon branch was Mr. S. Greeves moved a notice of and confirmed. There was a lengthy held on 12th July Mr. H. L. Hare 128 July-August, 1931 THE FOOTPLATE. August 6, 1931 presided over a well-attended meet- district recently, and members are ing. Minutes of previous meeting con- wondering how long the Government Cost of Living firmed and correspondence received. is going to permit pirates to pick up Branch was unanimous in opposing the payable loading and quote such a Further Decrease of 4d. Per Day. Executive's proposal re A.L.P. special prohibitive price for other loading According to the cost of living fig- Conference delegates. that it is left to the Railways to carry ures compiled by the Commonwealth Statistician, there has been a further Work has slackened off consider- at a low rate. Rationing in a most pernicious form has made its appear- substantial decrease in the cost of liv- ably in this district, while the staff ing for the quarter ended 30th June, has been increased by transfers from ance in this depot. Men are being rationed one hour per day on four 1931, as result of which the wages of other districts. Rumour has it that all members covered by the Adjust- many more transfers are pending, so clays each week without being re- placed by any other employee. How ment Clause of our Federal Award running men can be prepared for a will be further reduced. very lean period during the coming the menrlaers of the Government can square this method of rationing with The cost of living figure for quar- half-year. Members are hoping for ter ended 30/6/31 is 1448, whilst the the speedy passage of the much-dis- their claim that they are only advo- cating rationing in order to avoid dis- figure which formed the base for our cussed Ministry of Transport Bill, and wages at the commencement of our trust that it will emerge in a form missals is beyond comprehension. Such a system savours more of a Award was 1664. By subtracting 1448 that will enable the Railways to com- from 1664, it will be seen that the pete with road traffic on more equit- speeding-up process—a system that attempts to exact eight hours' work cost of living is now 216 points less able terms than those existing at than when our Award was first made. present. for seven hours' pay. Many indus- trial upheavals have occurred in the The Adjustment Clause provides Quite a lot of payable loading has past without as just a cause.—W. P. for a reduction of 10/- per week or been diverted to the roads in this SULLIVAN. 1/8 per day when the drop is 198 to 219 points. As 1664 gave a basic wage of 13/10, 1448 will give a basic wage of 12/2 per day. Under the decision of the Full Arbi- Something Worth Knowing About tration Court, the Basic Wage of 12/2 is subject to a deduction of 10 The Railways Institute per cent., which amounts to 1/3. Therefore, the actual Basic Wage to The Council of the Victorian Rail- reorganised, and large quantities of be paid for quarter commencing 1st ways Institute, together with its new books added to the stock. Each August will be 10/11 per day, which various sub-committees, have been borrower is entitled to borrow two is a drop of fourpence (4d.) per day working hard for some time back in books, and exchange them as often upon the present Basic Wage of 11/3. extending its usefulness by establish- as desired, and, for an additional fee ing new classes of an educational, of 3/- a year, a third book may be social and recreational character, as borrowed. well as rearranging, refitting and re- THANKS furnishing some of the rooms. All These and other new features have of which has been done with a view been introduced, such as a sports "Banktop," more effectually to cater for the best ground, sports clubs, etc., etc. We 47 Crisp St., interests, conveniences and comforts very urgently require 5000 new mem- Hampton. of members. bers, because it is upon the member- To Mr. C. Collins, Sec. A.F.U.L.E. ship generally that the Council de- Dear Comrade, The administration can point with pends for such financial support as It is now 10 months since my re- satisfaction to the wonderfully useful will not only meet expenditure, but tirement from the Department, and I and practical new educational class will also enable it to offer greater have just received back pay for my which this year has been established and more varied services to members. 7th unit from Superannuation Board. at the Central Institute, Melbou rne, Each non-member is earnestly in- I feel I must give full credit to the whereby students can be prepared for Union, and particularly yourself, for the intermediate examination of the vited to JOIN NOW. The rates are very low, and a system is now in the untiring efforts on my behalf University of Melbou rne, at a mere which have been brought to bear on nominal fee, the class being open to force whereby the fee can be de- ducted in fortnightly instalments those in opposition to us in this long members, their families and depen- fight. No stone was left unturned, dents. from the pay-roll. Metropolitan mem- bers pay 5d. per fortnight —maximum and no trouble seemed too great. Candidates must satisfy the exam- half-yearly payment, 5/-, plus 6d. Whilst the Union has such an able iners in any six of the following per half-year library fee. Ladies, and thorough gentleman as secretary, subjects (the six may be taken in juniors and country members, 2d. per I feel c3rtain the members in general one year, or four in one year and fortnight for 12 pay periods, and 6d. will never have cause to fear their two in another year) :—English, per thirteenth pay, without library interests will not be safeguarded. arithmetic, French, geometry, geo- facilities, or a half-yearly payment Will you please accept my sincere graphy, algebra, history, physics. of 2/6. thanks for all you have clone, and This is probaby the most popular Intending members are invited to tender the officers of the Union my of the Institute's classes, and de- visit the Institute, and thus see for gratitude for all the great work done servedly so, because the opportunity themselves the wonderful equipment in the past, in which I have, with is here all ready for acceptance by of the building, the third floor of other members of the rank and file , those who value a sound education, which is devoted to Institute require- , shared the many benefits. In closing upon easy terms, and class hours of ments. Address: Victorian Railways I sincerely wish yourself, officers and attendance arranged to suit the con- Institute, Flinders Street Station old comrades a happy and prosperous venience of students. Building, Flinders Street, Melbourne future.—Yours, etc., The library has been thoroughly 'Phones: Cent. 5480, Railways 242. JOHN C. BATH.

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Library Digitised Collections

Title: The Footplate 1931

Date: 1931

Persistent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11343/21248

File Description: Footplate, vol.14 no.7, 1931