THE TRAMWAY DISPUTE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 309, 18 September 1918, Page 4

THE TRAMWAY DISPUTE

AN ABORTIVE CONFERENCE. Tlie representatives of the Wellington Tramway Employees' Union niet the managerial officers of the Wellington city tramways in conference yesterday afternoon, when, on behalf of tlio City Council, the manager (Mr. W. 11. Morton), after outlining the position, made certain proposals to the tramway men which it is understood were rather better terms than ihoso already made public. Tligeg proposals did not find favour with the union's representatives, who simply adhered to their original demands, viz., a minimum wage of Is. <kl. per hour, to the, men, with proportionate increases-in pay to those earning over the minimum wago (that paid to a. first-year conductor). "As far as wo are concerned," said M.r. Hutcheson (secretary to the union), "tho conference was abortive. Certain terms were offered wliich did not meet with our approval. We stuck to our original demands, and these were not acceded to. If by any 'streak of imagination' thev like to alter their decision by 3 o'clock to-morrow (to-day), the matter can he fixed tip." Mr. Hutcheson further said that at a meeting of the executive held last evening the action of the union's representatives was endorsed by the executive.

The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) was approached last evening in connection with the conference, but said that as ho had not yet had a report from the Tramways Manager (Mr. Morton) he was not aware what had taken place, and therefore could say nothing.