I.—6a

XII

BEPOET. No. 21.—Petition of Robert C. Morgan (on behalf of Railway Officers' Institute). Praying that an increase of pay and improved conditions be provided for the officers belonging ti the First Division of the Railway service. I am directed to report that the Committee makes the following recommendations :— That positions in the Railway service which have been reduced in status during the last few years as set out in clause 6 of this petition should be restored where the traffic is maintained. That in connection with promotions Regulation 40 be carried out. and that when an officer is not recommended for promotion he he immediately supplied with a copy of the report giving reasons for his not being so recommended. That readjustment of classification is desirable, and that the Government be recommended to go into the whole question of regrading the First Division with a view to more adequately remunerating officers generally, and striking out the 9th grade, and fixing a maximum of £220* for officers who fail to qualify for promotion. That the railway regulations dealing with leave of absence be amended so as to bring them into conformity with the regulations of other branches of the public service That the staffing of stations'be reviewed with a view to reducing excessive hours where such exist. That Regulation 47 be altered so that three days be allowed at commencement of journey ami ten days after arrival tit destination in cases where officers are transferred to meet the exigencies of the Department. That the evidence placed before the Committee does not justify it in recommending that tin Minister's power of veto on Appeal Board decisions be abolished. Jas. T. Hooan, 27th October, 1911. Chairman