New Britain herald., 1928-02-22
CLERKS IN SESSION
 AT STATE MEETING
(Continusl from First Pass)

loo, chairman: Thomas Botticelh aaA willtam Kilduff: music and en- teseainmsnt James V. O. O'bsien. chairman: Harry J. Phalon. William D. Roche and John Keevers: sou- venirs. Edmund HayeA chairman: James V. o'Brien. John J. Heffer- nan and Joseph |. Ayerson.
 The reception committee is com- posed of Thomas Botticelli. Leslie Brotherton. Charles Corrigan. Mat thew Egan, Morton 0ibney. Edmund Hayes, John Heffernan. Michael Lynch. John Keevers, William Kil- duff. James O'Brien. Harry Phalon, John Phalon. William Roche. John Sheehan and Joseph Myerson.
 The big time for the clerks will be the banquet this evening at 6 o'clock when eI-Mayor George A. Qutgisy VIII prsstds as toastmaster. Greetings from the city of New Brit ain will be brought by William H. Judd. president of the common coun- ell.
 Many guests will be present in- cluding Ralph H. Benson. secretary of tho Chamber of Commerce.; Thomas J. Spellacy; lame H. Smith, secretary-treasurcr of the Connecti- cut Federation Of Post Onice Clerks; Thomas D. FlaAerty. secretary treasurer of the National Federation of Post once Clerks of Washington, D. C., and Mrs. Bertha c. Weckel. vics president of the Ladies' Auxiliary. National Federation of Post Ofsice Clerks Between 800 and 300 are expected to attend the ban quet Souvenirs will be distributed. Entertainment will be furnished during the dinner by George and Betty Campbell, Francis Egan, James Sullivan and Andrew Quis, ley. After tho banquet there will be an hour of speech making. The eve- hing will be brought to a close with 2 concert and dancing.
 Harry Morton of Hartford. vice. president of the federation, and James H. Smith of Ansonia. state representative. outlined the business to come before the convention for the Herald today.
 Retirement Law
 Of paramount interest was the discussion concerning modification of the retirement law. At present clerk must be 65 years of ago be- fers being eligible for retirement. Retirement has not cost the federal government penny, Messrs. Morton and Smith claimed, although the fund is accommodating rapidly. The government deducts 1-2 per cent from the clerks salary for the beae- it of the fund. The clerks are ad- vocating optional retirement after 90 years of service. claiming that a mans efficiency Is seriously impair cd by the time he reaches the age of s5 to the disadvantage of the service. They say that if man gives 90 years of his life to the pos tai clerk service he is justified in asking for retirement
 The retirement subject has reach cd congress after 26 years of agita- ton and it is proposed to appoint committee to investigate the ques. ton. The federation of clerks op. poses this project. Tt is merely subterfuge to choke the real issue" Messrs. Morton and Smith declared.
 The federation also brought up tho subject of night work. It is claimed that the health of the clerks is seri- ously impaired and their efficiency !, reduced. The clerks want a time dinerentiai between 6 p. m. and |. m.
 estsrday Half Holidays Saturday half holidays were aG- . tated at the convention session. 9th ] CT departments in the federal serv- ice srant Saturday half holidays. 1t ! was claimed. and the clerks believe ? they should have them also. At present Saturday half holidays are left to the discretion of the postmas- i, ters.
 Political rights of civil service em- ployes. which has been a bone Of contention for years, were discussed at length. It was pointed out that the constitution of the United States gives every citizen the right to ex- press his opinions on political sub. jects. But, the clerks allege, they are gasged by civil service regula- tions and they cannot understand !, why they should not have the same privilege enjoyed by their fellow citizens. They want restrictions cast of.
 Many other questions of interest 70 the clerks were brought up at the meeting.
 Shechan Probable First Vice Pres.
 Alfred shippee of Bridgeport re- tired as president and was to be succeeded by Edward Lawton of Hartford. who had been first vice president.
 James H. Smith of Ansonia was expected to be reelected treasurer of the clerks federation. a position he has held since the formation Of the organization. seven years ago. 9th er officers who will probably be chosen are: John J. Sheehan of this "ity. first vice president: Harry Horton of Hartford, second vice president; Thomas J. Byrnes of Rockville. third vice president.
 The ladies auxiliary of the fedar- ton. conyening earlier in the day, 'lected Mrs. William Groves of New Haven as president, succeeding Mrs. Viola Hoskins Of Hartford Mr3. Groves had been first vice president.
 Mrs. Annie Wilcox of Middletoun vas elected first vice president and Mrs. Alfred Shippee of Bridgeport was named second vice president.
 ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCED.
 MT. and Mrs. J. Miller of 4o Har' ford avenue announce the engage. ment of their daughter. Esther. to 0rhnaark 156R pI