At a recent meeting of the Harbour Board, various matters related to railway amalgamation were discussed. Mr Power reported on the bill of costs from Messrs Batten, which pertained to the opposition against the Railway Amalgamation and Shannon Power Bills. The specially appointed committee succeeded in reducing the bill from £933 to £750.

Mr Rocke commended the board’s decision to appoint Messrs Power and Holliday to handle the matter and expressed gratitude for their services. The Chairman agreed with this sentiment.

During the meeting, Mr Whelan raised concerns about the extraordinary reduction in staff at the locomotive works following the amalgamation. He acknowledged that some reductions had already occurred, but he feared that further reductions might be implemented in the future, along with a reduction in work hours. He stressed the need for protest and action to prevent potential job losses.

Mr Hayes suggested that the Chamber of Commerce should be involved in addressing this matter. However, Mr Whelan disagreed, asserting that the responsibility fell on the Harbour Board. He praised Mr Power for championing their cause and urged him to take further action.

The railway company was obliged to adhere to certain conditions with the people of Limerick according to the terms of the Amalgamation Bill. One such condition was to retain the same number of employees for 20 years as were employed at the time of amalgamation. Mr Hayes pointed out that although the number of employees was maintained, their working hours were reduced to three-quarters of the original time.

Mr Power assured the board that the matter would be closely monitored. He mentioned that in a previous communication with the Secretary of the Railway Company, it was stated that the money paid in wages at that time exceeded the amount paid at the date of the Act’s passing.

The discussion concluded with the assurance that the board would keep a vigilant eye on the situation and the commitments made by the railway company in relation to staff and wages.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 16 May 1905