THE RAILWAY DIFFICULTY.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 579, 27 April 1876, Page 2

THE RAILWAY DIFFICULTY.

It is with very great satisfaction that we are able to state that the difficulty between the railway employees and the Government has been arranged on very amicable terms. Yesterday several of the members of the society waited upon some of the principal merchants in the town with a view of taking their advice on the question, and they advised them to form a deputation to wait upon the Government to urge their claims upon hem. To this, however, the general body demurred, as they considered that the statement of their case had been very fully laid before the Government some time back in their memorial, to which a reply had been received. They were therefore of opinion that the Government should mte' them if it was necessary that a conference should take place, and the idea of a deputation was nega tired. In this position matters stood until Mr G Stead, of the firm of Royse, Stead and Co, had an interview with the men. After obtaining from them a statement of their grievances, and after a lengthy discussion and some persuasion, a memorandum was drawn up embodying the terms upon which the men were willing to resume their employment. This Mr Stead promised to submit for the consideration of the Government, and the conference terminated. Mr Stead then waited upon the Government, and submitted the memorandum agreed to. After some deliberation on the part of the Government, it was decided to receive a deputation of the men to hear what they had to propose, and at 3 30 p.m. a deputation of twelve waited oh the Government, comprising Messrs Heaton, Holt, Pleasance, Longden, Work, Standisb, Allard, Thomas, Whittaker, Archibald, Illingworth, and Williams, The members of the Executive present with his Honor, were Hon J, T. Peacock and Mr Maskell ; Mr Lawson, traffic manager, was also present. When the deputation was introduced, His Honor said that some misapprehension appeared to exist in the minds of the men as to what the Government really proposed. The memorandum which had been issued by the Government was perfectly plain ; but it appeared from the reports in the papers that it had been misunderstood by the men. If they considered the memo ambiguous, he thought they should have again waited on him before taking the extreme course they had done. For his own part he had nc desire, nor did he think the members of the Executive had, to treat the men unfairly, and he felt convinced that had there been another interview the matter might have been arranged without the adoption of a course which he regarded as improper.

Mr Allard said that so far from the matter beirg arranged by another interview, they had already had several, and memoranda on Ihe subject had also passed between them, and nothing had come of it. What they wanted was simply this, that they should not be required to work ten hours per day for Ps, while the recognised hours of labor in the colony were eight. If this were submitted to, it would simply be the introduction of the ten hour system here, and no other construction could be jut upon the memorandum which had been forwarded in reply to their memorial. The men were not averse to working an hour or two over in the busy season, but they could not, as seemed to be implied in the Government memorandum, accede to the fixing of ten hours as the time to be worked. They had done all in their power, previous to taking the step they had, to lay their views clearly before the Government, and they felt that after the reply they had received, only one course remained open to them, which was to refuse to work until an understanding had been come to that the hours should be eight per day, and that all overtime, except one or two casual hours, should either be paid for or allowed. Other members of the deputation also expressed similar views to those of Mr Allard.

Mr Stead thought it was a pity that the matters in dispute should again be re-opened, as he understood from both sides that a basis of agreement had been settled between them, and that this meeting was to ratify it. He might say that he had waited on the men that morning and ascertained from them what they really wanted ; and, after some discussion, had reduced their terms to a memorandum, which his Honor now held in his hand Ho had then seen the Secretary for Public Works, who had ultimately agreed generally to the terms proposed, and he (Mr Stead) had returned to the men and arranged that the present deputation should wait on the Executive. He would now read the basis of agreement proposed, which was as follows: “ 1, The whole of the men are agreeable to resume work upon the understanding that all now on strike are permitted to return to their respective stations, both casual and ptrmanent men. 2. That forty-eight hours constitute a week’s work, and that any extra hou'S bo paid for pro rata ; they are willing to forego their demand for back overtime. 3. That heads of departments are willing on emergency to work for an liour or so wheo

absolutely necessary without making demand for overtime, but this concession must not be demanded by the Government as a right.”

His Honor said that he understood that the men had waited upon him in a friendly spirit, and he was prepared to meet them in the same manner. He could not, however, consent to accept the first clause of the memorandum, as it appeared to him to be dictating terms to the Government which was not a proper position for the men to take up. For his part be would give his word at the conclusion of the interview that the past should be forgotten, and that no steps should be taken arising out of this, as he would not know one man from another. He must, however, insist upon the first clause being withdrawn. The deputation intimated that if one man were discharged on account of any action taken by him in this matter, they were resolved to stand by him. Unless they were assured that all should return to their old stations, and that no notice would be taken of what had occurred, they could not con lent to return to work. His Honor again assured them that although the clause was struck out of the memo, no notice whatever would be taken of the action of any one of them. After some remarks from Mr Archibald (head storeman) and others of the deputation, as to the long hours worked during the past few years without any recompense, Hon J. T. Peacock read several documents, wh ; cb he contended shewed that there was no disposition on the part of the Government to force the men to do more than eight hours work per day except on odd occasions, when the exigencies of the department required it. He would also ask the deputation to withdraw the last words of the third clause of the memo, commencing “ but this,” to the end, as it appeared to him to stultify the fr )t portion of the clause. In this the men agreed to work for an hour or so on emergency. The deputation agreed to the amendment suggested by Mr Peacock, and the memo was accepted by all parties in the following fo-m: —‘‘lst. That forty-eight hours constitute a week’s work, and that any extra hours be paid for or allowed for in time next day, pro rata. They (the employees) are willing to forego their demand for bsck overtime. 2. That heads of departure ts are willing on emergency to work for an hour or so when absolutely necessary without making demand for overtime.” The men were then asked to resume work on the following morning as usual, his Honor promising that no notice whatever would be taken of any one connected with this movement. The deputation then retired, having thanked his Honor for his courtesy on the occasion. In the evening a public meeting was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, which, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, was filled. The proceedings were of the rao.st orderly character throughout, every speaker being listened to with attention. On the motion of Mr Work, Mr Hesketh took the chair. Mr Hesketh said, in the absence of the gentleman who was to have taken the chair that evening, he had been voted to the chair. He had much pleasure in doing so, the more so as the deputation who had waited on the Government had been successful in having their grievances settled. [Cheers] He would now call upon the deputation to report what had taken place in the interview with the Government. He need not ask all to keep good order, as he knew they would. He would first call upon Mr Allard", the secretary, to state what had taken place at the deputation. Mr Allard said that that day they had called upon several of the leading merchants in the city with regard to the state of affairs, and they advised them to confer with the Government, but the majority felt that that cou’d not. be done, as they had already sent a memorial to (he Government, and had received their reply thereto. The / felt that the Government we e well infojmed of what they required, and there was no need to go to the Government, but that the Government should have sent to them. Mr Stead at I p.ra, called them over to h ; s store, and after conferring with him they sent an ultimatum cf what they were prepared to stand or fall by. The ultimatum was as follows:—”!. The whole of the men are agreeable to resume work upon the understanding that all now on strike are permitted to return to their respective stations, both casual and permanent men. 2. That fortyeight hours constitute a week’s work., and that any extra hours be paid for pro rata , they being willing to forego their claim for back overtime. 3. That heads of departments are willing on emergency to work for an hour or so when absolutely necessary without making demand for overtime, but this concession must not be demanded by the Government as a right.” Most of the men who had worked overtime were present, and they thought it was only fair to meet the Government half way by not demanding the back time, and they also expressed their willingness to work an hour or so when absolutely required, but this was not to be looked upon as a right. The Superintentendent expressed some surprise at the state of matters, as he had evidently been kept in the dark. After telling him the state of the case, his Honor said that he never wished men to work more hours than they were paid for, but that of course in times of emergency the men would meet the Government half way, and work an hour or so in times of emergency. He also stated that it was neverintended to introduce the ten hour system, but the men were of opinion that it was so. His Honor could not agree to the first clause, but he said that he was willing that forty-eight hours should constitute the week, the overtime to be paid for or allowed for next day. His Honor said that bygones should be bygones. No enquiries should be made, and he did not know one man from the other. He Allard) asked his Honor to put this in writing, but he said his word was sufficient, and they who knew his Honor would believe that at once. [Cheers] His Honor said that had they come to him there would have been no difficulty at all. The deputation thought this was fair, and telegraphed throughout the line to resume work on the old rate, and at eight hours per day. ) Cheers ]

Mr Mahoney said he had been discha r ged a fortnight back, and yesterday he was offered to go on at first 7s per day, and secondly at 8s per day, for ten hours ; but when he found that men were on strike he declined to go on. He would like to a«k what became of men who, like himself, through principle had declined to take tin place of his fe.low man, who had gone oul for the sake of principle, He wanted 19

kno w what was to become of the men who did not belong to the society, or who bad not been in the permanent employ of the railway. Would they come under the condition spoken of by his friend Mr Allard, and resume work ? The chairman said he thought Mr Mahoney would come under the same rule as other hour men, and would take his chance the same as the rest when hour men were required. Mr Mahoney repeated what he had already stated. He would rather do anything than work ten hours for 8r per day. He was quite willing to work for Is per hour, and nothing less. The chairman said if Mr Mahoney had lost anything by refusing to work in the place of the men out on strike, he was willing to pay it out of his own pocket, a .d so put him on the same footing as he was before. Mr Longden contended that the strike .affected the whole province, and not the railway alone. They were told that if they liked to go on and work for ten hours at 8s per day they might do so. They refused, and they did so in the interests of the working men of the province. If MrMahony wanted employment, and it was open at Is an hour, he could get it; he therefore could not see what more he wanted. If he had worked for their cause that day he had worked for his own interests, and if he had gone in on the ten hour system he would be helping to perpetuate and establish it here. Therefore, he had only done what was clearly his duty. [Cheers.] Mr Heaton said that he had very little to say, as the Secretary had told them what had been done at the deputation. He had no doubt that Mr Stead had been asked to come to them from the Government. They had seen several merchants in the town, who had said that they should have given notice to the Government, and that if they had done so, they would receive the support of every merchant and man ot principle. Mr 0. W. Turner, one cf the merchants spoken to, said that he only expected his men to work eight hours, and that if they worked over that he expected them to be paid. [Cheers] He (Mr Turner) did not see how the Government should call on their men to work for ten hours. He must say this, that his Honor deserved'the warmest thanks of the employees of the Canterbury railways for the way in which he had received the deputation, and had spoken to them. Mr Cunningham had advised them to submit their case to the Government, and if they did not redress their grievance, they might then call a public meeting, and the public would no doubt support the opposition to the introduction of the ten hours system; The majority of the members, however, seemed to think that the Government should come to them; but after hearing Mr Stead’s memorandum, which was considered fair, it was agreed to send a deputation to the Government on the matter, which was done. They had been most courteously received, and his Honor, though blaming them somewhat for not coming to him at once, yet met them in a most fair and gentlemanly spirit. He wished to thank the engine drivers and firemen for the support given to them during the matter. It was somewhat to be regretted that they had not seen bis Honor the Superintendent, as it might perhaps have averted the strike, which was a last resource, [ Cheers.] The chairman then put the question whether the men present were agreeable to resume work ou the terms stated by the deputation. The whole of those present signified their assent.

The Chairman said he hoped that all the men present would come to work the next morning, and put the yard in order, as it required it. r Cheers] He knew they would all work heartily, as he had been o;i railways for nearly twenty years, and had never had a better or more efficient staff of men. [Cheers.] Mr Allard said that it was distinctly understood that all men were to resume work in goods and passengtr departments at the usual time ; that eight hours was to be the time worked per day ; and that all time over that should be either paid for or allowed. Mr Longden m-ved—“ That the thanks of this meeting be given to the engine drivers and firemen on the Canterbury railways for the action taken by them in this strike." Mr Heaton seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr Longden said that of course the platelayers and others were also ent’tled to a vote of thanks as well as the engine drivers and firemen, and he would include them In the resolution. [Cheers 1 Mr Allan moved—" That a vote of thanks be given to the casual hour men for their generous support during the strike. [Cheers ] The motion was seconded anc carried amid acclamation. Mr Scott (engine-driver) who, on rising, was received with loud cheers, said that the engine drivers had pledged their words that unless the strike was settled they would refuse to go out with the engines. They signed a petition to their engineer, telling him that they would refuse to go out with inefficient hands, and that after four o'clock no trains would go out. They had done what they promised, and he hoped the necessity for it would not again arise. [Cheers] Mr Pleasance congratulated,' the meeting upon the result of the conference, which must be most satisfactory to all concerned. Three hearty cheers were then given for his Honor the Superintendent, and a like compliment having been paid to the chairman, the meeting broke up. It is a very fortunate thing for the public that the matter has been so satisfactorily settled, for had the strike lasted for even a few days longer, not only serious inconvenience but serious loss would have resulted. During the short time over which the strike extended, great inconvenience was entailed. On the first day, as stated in our yesterday’s issue, the department made arrangements whereby all the trains left as usual, with the exception of being in some few instances a little late. Yesterday, however, the public hid more than this to complain of. All the trains ran except the 11 o’clock train to Ash. burton, the 4 15 train south, and the 430 train north. The people who left Timaru at seven o’clock yesterday morning did not arrive in Christchurch until seven o’clock last evening, having been detained for several hours at Kangitata. As is generally known, the engine which leaves Christchurch takes charge of the Timaru train at this place, and returns to the city with it, the other engine returning in like manner to Timaru with the Christchurch train and passengers. On arrival at Rangitata yesterday morning the engine drivers, if they did not absolutely strike, refused to proceed either one way or the other on the ground that they did not

think they should ha justified in doing so, with the nevT guards, pointsmen, and fresh hands generally. Unfortunately there is no telegraph from Rangitala to Chr stcburch, and it was noon before the general manager in town, Mr Lawson, learned the condition of the passengers who were stuck up at that place. These must have passed a most unpleasant time, for they had to remain in the stationary train for something like five hours. It was pouring with rain the whole of the time, and there is not near this station a township or an hotel at which they could refresh themselves. However, on receiving a telegram about noon, Mr Lawson at onceforwarded instructions by telegraph to Ashburton, for an engine to be sent on to Rangitata to bring on the Timaru train to Christchurch. This engine reached Rangitata about a quaiter past two, and took charge of the train, which had been stationary ever since about half past eight. And while referring to this matter, we cannot but think it a great pity that all the stations arc not connected by telegraph, not only with each other, but also with Christchurch. A continuance of this state of things may some day lead to a very serious accident; therefore the sooner some steps are taken to perfect the telegraphic communication the better. No train ran on the Southbridge line yesterday, and the mails were consequently delayed. The train which arrived from Rangiora was to have returned last evening in the ordinary course of things; but in consequence of the action of the engine drivers it was not despatched as usual, greatly to the annoyance of a number of persons who had come from Rangiora in the morning with the full intention of returning in the evening. Blank indeed were the looks of many of these people, and dire were the vows of vengeance directed by more than one at being detained* in town against his will. One unfortunate farmer, who said that family affairs urgently required his presence in the evening, expressed his intention of taking action against the Government, and in going in for heavy damages for breach of contract. During the day rumors of all kind were flying about as to the conduct of the employees, but as usual only a small portion of these turned out to be true.