The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-02-23

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 Each of the several hundred convention guests received several favors. The ladies were given camera-style vanity cases, special ly finished hand mirrors and other souvenirs. The men received cig- arette case and lighter combina- tions, the cases lacquered in solid colors.
 The business proceedings of the convention, held up by the late ar- rival of delegates, due to. the weather, were begun with an in- formal greeting by Morgan T. Burke, chairman of the conven- tion. Mayor Frank Hayes gave the citys official welcome. Stating that postal clerks, as a class, were almost wholly unappreciated by the general public, he declared that he knew the many difficulties connected with their work and the unobtrusively efficient way in which they did their important tasks.
 A resolution by a New Haven delegate that the privileges given war veterans in civil service exam nations be dispensed with, was defeated overwhelmingly as the convention threw out the measure.
 Defeat also met proposal that the date of the convention be changed to later in the year, with Memorial Day mentioned. It was felt that there was little likelihood of this years unpfecedentedly bad weather would be duplicated again at this time in the year. The Waterbury delegation off, fered resolution suggesting im- provement in the status of substi- tutes and saw it passed by a large margin. It was also voted to seek an increase in the pension given widows of retired employees in the service.
 The delegates voted down res- olution to ask the national asso- citation to broaden the charter that all kinds of government employees might be admitted to the associa- ton.
 Unanimous approval was given resolution, presented by New Ha-' ven, that pay cuts be completely restored and that furloughs be dis pensed with.
 Proposed changes in retirement and annuities were defeated. They included an increase in annuities to 67 per cent of basic pay, optional retirement after 30 years of serv- ice. and forced retirement at the age of 60 years.
 Membership for 1884, reported Secretary Nelson Stone of Torring- ton, tptalled 367, only 8 slight de- crease from the previous number.
 The annual presidents report, 1,,lN kk1I Iary eI. that the organization had made considerable progress during the past year despite poor conditions. reductions and attacked the fur tough system, claiming that it was unfair to service employees. He praised the members for their SUD- port of the state body during the trying years.
 A report of the sick and death benefit fund committee showed that t-there are 299 embers and a cash balance of more than $1,800. > The annual salary of the secre- tary, Robert Reilly of New Haven, was voted increased from $50 to $10O.
 Beginning in the middle of the morning the delegates and mem- bers began to come in from widely separated parts of the state. The first arrivals from out of town were from New Britain and oth- CTS began to come in from Tor rington, Bristol, New Haven and other cities. The Bridgeport dele gation of 38, unable to push its way through to this city by busA hired a special train and arrived shortly after noon. :,
 Luncheon was served at the Elks' club from noon until after 3 o'cloc. The ladies auxiliary of the local unit acted as hostesses.
 During the afternoon there were various kinds of entertainment. A number of women made up a theater party. Bowling was en- joyed at the Elks' alleys. Bridge adn pinochle were played.
 No detail was neglected in mak- ing the day a memorable one for those attending the convention and praise for the excellent arrange ments was voiced on all sides.
 The officers who will hold their offices until the adjourned meet ing in May are the following: Pres- ident, Edgar D. Dwyer. Water- bury; secretary, Nelson F. Stone, H. Pfeil, New Haven: second vice. president, Raymond J. 'Congdon, Bridgeport; third vice-president. Herman Mayer, Meriden; fourth vice. president. Terrence V. Me- Mahon. Bridgeport; fifth vice. president, Gus J. Fredericks, Dan- bury; secretary. eNlson F. Stone. Torrington; treasurer, Joseph E. Burns, Norwich.