MINISTER'S ACTION STRONGLY CRITICISED

Chronicle (Levin), 4 November 1947, Page 5

MINISTER'S ACTION STRONGLY CRITICISED

Press Association)

(Per

AUCKLAND, Xov. 3. Strong criticism of t-lie Minister oi Labour, Hon. A. McLagan, for not authorising that action be taken against tlie crews who refused to man the trams froni Ellerslie raeecourse on August 16, was expressed by the chairman of the Auckland Transport Board, Mr. W. H. Nagle, at a meeting today. By a decision of the Tramvvay Union, all Transport Board trams and buses left tlte eourse on that day by 4.15 p.m., ten minutes before the start of the last race, foilowing a dispute with the racing authorities over earJier finishing times for the race meeting. In reply to a letter from the board seeking action against the men on the grounds that they had c-ommitted a breach of their industrial agreement, the Minister said the Conciliation Commissioner, Mr. C. L. Hunter, had been directed immediately to conduct an inquiry. A conference of tlie interestecl parties, including the Auckland Racing Club and Auckland Trotting Club, was eonvened by the Commissioner who then endeavoured to arrange a settlement. "Had action of the nature apparently envisaged by your board, been taken at this conference, the chances of obtaining a settlement may have been jeopardised," eontinued tlie Minister. As it was the meeting was carried on in a coneiliatory spirit and tiie clubs agreed to do what they could to conclude their race programmes at an hour more in keeping with the stated wishes of the tramway workers. "It is obvious that the Commissioner was able to achieve suceess as similar trouble has not been experienced ai meetings held since August 16. In the eircumstances it does not seem to be a case for action as requested by youi board. ' ' "All through this trouble the board has tried to assist in a solution," said Mr. Nagle. "It is quite obvious from the tenor of the Minister 's letter, that he does not intend to investigate tlie matter further. I am bound to say i regret his decision very much. It seems to me that the administration of industrial law, espeeially where a breach has occurred, has been suspended and I can only class that as preferential treatment. "