THE LABOR TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1919, Page 3

THE LABOR TROUBLE.

’AUSTRALIAN it N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION (Received this day at 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 24. The official report of yesterday’s Conference between the Triple Alliance Railways Union and Government, shows Mr Thomas replied affirmatively to Hon. Bonar Law's enquiry whether all three members' of the Alliance would strike in the event of an even unjustified strike by one member.

Replying to Air Thomas, Air Bonar Law emphasised that Government intended the extra pay should be given for real night work by railwayman. In regard to one hundred thousand railway shoremen who mostly belong to the Engineers Societies, and not- rail, wavmen’s Unions, Air. Bonar Law stated Government, could not negotiate with Atr Thomas thereanent unless the Railway Unions could come to an arrangement. hy which Air Thomas would represent all shoremen. He also stated that Government had undertaken that the wages of rnilwnymeu should not he reduced until flip end of the year, when the question could he reopened. Ali- Bonar Law emphasised the country’s financial position was serious. Railways at present were costing the taxpayer over half the national expenditure before the war. The offer the Government was now making was P utmost they could do.

AN AGREEAIENT REACHED. (Received This Day at 1.5. p.m.) LONDON. Alarch 24. Th e Press Bureau states the representatives of Government, Railway Executive Committee and Railway Unions le-fUv reviewed the whole concessions ottered by Government., and reached an agreement on the interpretation thereof. If the Railwaymen's Union notify the terms the negotiations on the remaining items on the programmes will ho continued immediately, Government undertaking that every effort will he made to secure a fair and speedy settlement thereof.