The Railway Employees

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 4, 24 June 1890, Page 2

The Railway Employees

The interview between the Delegates from the railway servants aud the Commissioners does not appear to have entled satisfactorily, and the delegates are, we understand, much disappointed at the attitude of the Commissioners in regard to the eight hours question and, we learn from the N.Z. Times, that if the Commissioners persist in refusing any concession on this point a general strike will be inevitable and will be assisted by all trade unions throughout the colonies, causing a disastrous paralysis of trade. It was arranged that the Commissioners take until to-morrow (Wednesday) to consider the matter thoroughly and see how it would affect the finances. It is to be hoped wise.r councils will prevail, and that the very reasouablere quest of the men will be conceded. That the men have taken every possible means to strengthen their position is evident, but we do not think they have dono themselves any lastiug good by seeking outside help and securing the partisanship of Members of the House of Bepresentatives. In our opinion that is a mistake which may lead to ill consequences, the only sufferers from which will be the men. If the great majority of the electois find the interests of the colony are to be jeopardised for the benefit of the few, the diafranchisemeut of all civil servants will follow.