RAILWAY UPHEAVAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1920, Page 2

RAILWAY UPHEAVAL.

0 MR MASSEY AUHIYES. MEETING WITH LOCO MEN. MEETING AGAIN TO-DAY. WELLINGTON, April 2!). The Prime Minister arrived from Na. pier to-night. A few minutes after his arrival he was met by representatives of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants. That interview continued for about an hour.

The loco men next had their talk in a much shorter interview.

Then, last of all, representatives of the First Division Society had a few minutes with him. All interviews were over in an hour and three-quarters. After he had met all the Societies, Mr Massey made the following statement:—“l met representatives of the First and Second Divisions, and also of the loco men. In every case the discussion was quite frank and friendly. “I cannot go into the details, and ] cannot say anything definite just yet. I will say that satisfactory progress had been made and the A.SIt.S. and the loco men are to meet' me again tomorrow.” Mr Massey would say nothing more than this. The' A.S.R.S. delegates came irom the conference satisfied with the progress they had made. Mr Hampton, (President of the Society), said that the outlook was ‘•hopeful.’l

It was understod that he had some proposal to make to his fellow-union-ists and that he was of the opinion that the result would be satisfactory. Mr McArley (Secretary for the lo c o men), would say nothing whatever about the discussion. He replied mere, ly that it had been agreed that the Minister would make a statement to tlie First Division representatives. The Minister gave an assurance tnat members of the Railway Officers’ Institute would not be called upon to do tlu work of the Second Division men. LOCC) MEN’S ATTITUDE. WELLINGTON, April 29.

Mr McArlpv, secretary' of the Loco Engine Drivers’ Firemen’s and Cleaners’ Association states: “Every member of Association in the North Island has left work, 'flic* mop,” he said, “will not go back until there is a. reasonable prospect of their demands for highei wages and improved conditions being conceded by the Government.”

The “Post” learned that so far the Association has pot beep ipfompd what steps the Government intends to take, and unless something is done quickly it is felt that there will be considerable difficulty in holding the South Island to their work, and stated that the South Island men were anxiously awaiting developments in the North Island and are prepared to act on a word from tile cXeCUfIV.'. The Association wore asked to state briefly,what (lie demands of the men wore. Mr McArley said: “The men want a standard wage award of the loco men throughout the world. They also want improved condition's, hip] these conditions must bp stated ip black and white in plain language; and signed up b\ both sides. The Executive has not yet been approached in reference to man ning the Prince’s train, hut I can state that t)ie present crew will take the train as far as Taumaruuui, which is the epd of its run.

The Executive Council of the IS.F.C.A in an official statement expressed regret at being compelled to inconvenience the public jn order to obtain an improvement of thy deplorable conditions of work. Tlie Executive are sorry a more speedy settlement was not brought about. There was no improvement in the suburban railway service this morning. TRANSPORT WORKERB. ENDORSE ACTION WELLINGTON, April 29. A fully representative meeting ol Transport Workers Advisory Board was held fo-<ia.Y. Tim following motion was carried—That this meeting endorses the action of the Amalgamated Society ol Railway Servants in their decision to join issue wifli the E.F.C.A. in their demand for economic justice, and iurthor wo assure the railway,men of both Societies and others implicated or involved, that they will have the utmost

support of the Affiliated Transport Workers’ Organisation, namely, the water-side workers, Seamen, Drivers and Tramwavmen of New Zealand, and that the support of the above Associations is ai- tjio uLposal of the railwaymeii should they require if.

AUCKLAND’S POSITION. S AUCKLAND, April 29. Auckland station has a deserted appparairr ' T-’ tlio- coining out of the second diviuop men. No attempt is made even to up steam engines. The only train that arrived was one bringing 200 sailors from the Renown. The traffic Department hopes to arrange to run at least two trains to-morrow, thoin'h no attempt will be made tonight’ there having been no workers trains coming in this morning. VARIOUS VIEWS.

WESTPORT. April 29. \t a largely attended meeting of railway servants of the A.S.R.S., he following resolution was unanimously carried : —That wo are thoroughly in accord with the action taken by the Executive in regard to striking, and we will do all in our power as a branch to bring this fight to a successful issue, and we pledge ourselves to give financial assistance, if desired by tho Executive. CHRISTCHURCH, April 29. | “T have a telegram to say that the

Mr Massey Interviewed. Conference * Resumed To*day. A Settlement Reported. (Per Press Association.)

LOCO MEN AND ROYAL TOUR

NAPIER, April 28. The members of the local branches of the Firemen’s and Cleaners’ Union state the Executive of their Union at Wellington will man a Royal train if the Government makes pncli a request.

OFFICERS’ STRIKE BALLOT. ANCKLAND, April 29. A ballot will be bold to-morrow bv the Auckland Branch of tho Railway Officer’s Institute to decide whether they should strike in sympathy with other railway unions. This resolution is the outcome of two lengthy meetings to-day.

Northern men are out to a man, and it is as much as ever we can do to hold the Southern men.” That is wliat one of the highest officials of the Loco Engineers’, Firemens’ and Cleaners’ Association said to a reporter to-day. The official added:—“The men do Hot feel at- all happy,about letting the North Island men do the fighting for them; and you would be surprised to know how solid the men are.” Ti e naturally have had some doubts about the more elderly men in the serice, but they are in it to a man.” CHRISTCHURpH, April 29.

A stop-work meeting was held at the Addington Workshops to-day to consider the question of overtime. A considenble amount of overtime lias been worked in tlie shops recently, with the object- of catching up on the arrears of work.

A deputation from the engineering shop waited upon the local Committee of the A.S.R.S. and the Committee made representations to the Department, with the. result that all overtime at tlie works is to be stopped. This will affect the staff working on the train intended for use by the Prince of Wales in his tour of the South Island.

The Local Committee of the A.S.R.S. reported its action in regard to the overtime question to the Executive of the A.S.R.S. with a request that other workshops in the South Island should he advised of the decision at Addington. CHRISTCHURCH, April 29.

At the annual meeting of tlie Canterbury Drivers’ Union, the following resolution was carried unanimously “That this Union endorse the claims of the Raiiwaymen’s Societies for. equitable terms in tlie matter of wages and working conditions. It deplores the procrastination of the Government which has led to the present crisis, and calls„upon the Prme Minster to immediately take such steps as will induce the men to resume work ancj thus pre r vent the trouble developing into what promises to be the most serious strike in the history of the Dominion.'? DUNEDIN, April 29.

A mass meeting of the Hillside Workshops men discussed the strike and resolved: —“We - reaffirm our previous Union’s unanimous resolution attesting pur support to the Executive Council in any extreme measure they may deem necessary to take and now that the time for action has arrived, wo patiently await instructions from the executive. It was further decided to offer financial support to the men on strike in thi* North Island,”

GItEYMOUTH, April 30. Yesterday the State Coal Miners’ Union sent a telegram to the Minister of Railways (Mr Massey) stating that tho miners endorsed the action of the railwaymen in striking for improved conditions, and would resent any attempt on the part of the Government to replace any of the strikers with free labour. S£U,ISGTON, April fJO s The seamen and wiffiif' “t the port of Wellington discussed.the strike situation to-day at meetings, but their decisions are not available. At a packed meeting of Amalgamated Society of Engineers Mr barter, (Secretary) stated if had bem decided to down tools immediately iff the ffVgljJ $ any member of the A.S.E. bpij.g the detriment of the E J.C-A. WANGANUI, April 29. V special general meeting 9? Wanganui brand) of the Railway Officers Institute was lipid to-pigbt # cfiftr sidor matters- in connection with the present crisis. There was a record at-

tendance. . . , The following resolution was carrier! unanimously:—' “That this meeting of the V anga, nui Branch of the Railway Officers’ Institute cannot accept any Royal Commission other than the Royal Commission set up to determine what increases are necessary to bring the salaries and wages up to their pre-war value, find will support to their utmost every constitutional means taken by file Executive i« objain bur just claims for u salary jjchpdulg to bo submitted to the Wages iniquity Board.”

It was resolved: “That- the Executive Council he requested to extend all moral and practical support to flip iA.S.R.S. and ELF. and G.A. in theip battle.” WELLINGTON, April 29. Four hundred members of the Wellington branch of tile Railway Officers’ Institute unanimously-carried the ,! ol-

lo wing resol utioiis : “That this meeting affirms its absolute confidence in the sub-committee in any action they may take in the settlement of the present dispute. “That this mooing expresses the wish that- all Institute members should refrain from performing any Second Division duties. “Tliat in the event of the Minister's reply to to-night’s representations being unsatisfactory, the question of taking: extreme measures be considered at the special general meeting called for 1 p.m. to-morrow. “That in tho event of trains being worked with free labour, this meeting considers that no assistance be offered,’.’

A prominent official expressed tho opinion that there will bo a large majority in favour of a strike as the officers strongly support the present Loco and A.S.R.S. strikers and they do not wish to be regarded as “blacklegs. ” The branch has passed a resolution expressing willingness to handle the perishable goods now on hand which were consigned before the strike. It also decided to do any work that might bo required in connection with tho tour of tho Prince of Wales POSTAL OFFICERS ATTITUDE. MASTERTON, April 29. An extraordinary meeting of the Wairarapa Branch of the P. and T. Officers’ Association was held to-night Resolutions were passed as follows: ‘‘ We .urge the Eexcutive to secure an interview with tile Prime Minister and Postmaster-General and seek to estalish the claims of the service to a

living wage. 5 ' “That a failure or. a postponement of an interview be regarded as hostile to the service and be acted upon as such after 48 hours.” “That the .Executive be instructed to again demand payment of the promised war bonus. “That the Wairarapa section wholeheartedly supports the j'ailway service in its fight. / “That while the members are willing to perform their duty as public servants, they will take no action to defeat the railwaymen in their just

fight.” PRINCE VIEW OF STRIKE. ROTORUA, April 29. It is unofficially -stated the Prince while refraining from an expression of opinion on the question of the strike is hopeful that a. satisfactory arrangement of the difficulties will be reached. He is said to he extremely anxious that no part of the country should be abandoned in his tour. His interest is especially in the children and no doubt it wquld cause him to regret exceediigly any steps that would rob them of the visit and celebrations. The return to Auckland is made in order, that a more central situation wdl enable negotiations between the parties to proceed with great expedition. His Royal Highness has indicated ho he would'willingly give up his three

days proposed deer stalking expedition

if the c-ould be utilised in covering Tara- \ mold and Hawkes Bay portion of the % original itinerary. He is stated to be specially anxious > that the question of his convenience should not be used by the Government as the level' to influence the men one way or the other. Yet, he is said to feel that children and country people

generally in the area affected by the proposed cut would bless any settlement '' that enabled them to realise hopes of the Royal visit-

POSITION REVIEWED. . j — (Special to “Guardian.”) WELLINGTON, April 29. Tim Railway stoppage is practically complete in -the North Island to-day. The executive of the A.S.R.S. decided last night to strike and sent telegraphed instructions to tho traffic men at once, The response, reports tne executive, has been immediate and complete. Two suburban trains run into . WVellington this morning, but the people to go. out by motor car or on foot to-night. The Prime Minister will arrive in Wellington to-night. He has come from Rotorua via Napier by motor, and lie telegraphed iu advance to the executives of -the A.S.R.S. and the loco men to . meet him after his arrival. He will 'S'gnnfor with them to-night, and dpujitffifjs Wil t 4iiafcd if strong offorp kr seen'r? a settlement,•' All the parties realise that the trouble is becoming liiore acute with each day that passes. The loco men’s executive issued a statement tb-day denying'the strike in the North Island had any connection ivitlr\he" visit W the Prince of Wales. The strike, ‘"says' the* executive, due to iix : cpptififia|ly depldrable ponditibns of jyijfk! •jVhj doped that flip Prince may yet 'lip give ll Royaj welcome after a speedy settlement. To the people, of jjpw Zejdand We make this statement — W« are sorry that p more speedy settle■o piept dn? not hpen brpught about which would have given them, the opportunity of seeing the Prince. We trust this may yet be fixed for a welcome in Weljingtop. Jfeinher.s of the first'division pep still nominally cm duty and a few of them have been assisting in the running of tile restricted suburban services. These men forming tho clerical staff, are restive and their organisation, the Railway Officers Institute has secured from * the Department an undertaking that members will not be forced to undertake second division duty. “Anything that first division men may do in this respect is voluntary and has nothing to do with our organisation,” said the Secretary to-day, “but our men dislike the jdefl of takipg any work laid ddwji by ihe sepoiul division fieri. ' ffe are going tir see Mr Massey and explain to him that the fact of our not being on ‘-strike dqes riot mean wc have no grievances. Our men have not ha Hotted, and wp are pot in a position to strike hut wo l iaY P c > ur ease Ifeiird by any trilif)nil] that nui.y he set up to consider railway affairs' in 'jjenerjil, The Advisory Board of the Transport federation met tins morning and endorsed tho action of the traffic men, and assured the Railway men of both striking organisations of tho utmost support j of tile affiliated transport workers, the ' waterside workers, seamen, drivers, and; tramwaymen. The significance of this resolution depends upon the develop-. incnts of the next few days. The Federation undoubtedly is in position to call but'the fv’atersjdfi workers' and tho sea-' fiidu'ijf support of the railwaymen, and jfcji officers libit that they are prepared to move at. short notice. i ' The trouble arising from the Railwaymen stoppage are rapidly cumulative. - Ap upward movement pf prices is being ohookfd by the Board of Trade and the tribunals of which announce that prices must not lie increased without permission but the Board cannot prevent shortages of supply. Freezing workers are being paid off and yiirioiw other industries are threatened with speedy dislocation. Acute difficulties are likely to arise in connection with the stoppage if it continues for many dqys. , . . ~ , ' It was reported this afternoon that «fche tour of tho Prince through the -/North Island lmd been abandoned and g that His Highness would come direct to Wellington from Auckland on the Renown. "This announcement will stand unless the trouble is settled within the next 24 hours. If the Prince comes direct to Wellington his arrangements will depend on circumstances. Tho offi- ' cials seem willing to let him undertake V long motor journeys. ' The prospects of settlement aro being canvassed by all the parti.es to-night. It is useless at the time of writing to anticipate the outcome of the 1 conference with Mr Massey. The finding of a basis of settlement is not an impossible task.

| The executives of the two striking organisations are not composed of extremists, and if Mr Massey is prepared to offer a tribunal approved by the r uh'-n v men with a guarantee qf immunity from all strike penalties, the railway settlement will be within reach. The men say bluntly that they will not deal with the General Manager of Railways and that they will not have their case referred to a Judge or Magis- I trate.

A curious feature of the situation is the evidence of discord between the two striking organisations. The loco men’s executive which struck, first is by no means pleased that the A.SIR.S. executive also - ordered a stopping. The two executives arc having no communication with one another. They propose to interview Mr Massey separately and the loco men at any rate say that they want a separate settlement. Railwaymen are aware the relations between the two executives have been bad for a long time. The difficulties do not extend down to the rank and file of the two organisations and probably the Executives will be induced to some together before the trouble is ended, but at present they are working independently.

CONFERENCE CONTINUING. PROSPECTS OF SETTLEMENT BRIGHT. WELLINGTON, -This Day. A conference between Hon W. F. Massey and representatives of the rnilwaymen’s organisations was continued this morning. It is believed that the prospects of arriving at a basis of settlement are very bright. APPEAL ON BEHALF OF THE CHILDREN. WELLINGTON, This Day. The officers of the Education Board’s Association and Federated School Committees have Issued a joint appeal to the railwaymen on behalf of the children, who have been working hard to receive the Prince, and now will bo bitterly disappointed. »•. SUPPORT OF OFFICERS. BLENHEIM, This Day, A largely attended meeting of the Marlborough section of the P. and T. Officers Association last night resoiutioned :—“This section expresses confidence and - appreciation in the Executive’s efforts to secure the overdue war bonus, and a substantial increase of salaries, and also gives wholehearted support to the executive iii any action it sees fit to take.”

KINDRED SUPPORT. AUCKLAND, This Day. A meeting of 1,200 watersiders resolutioned assuring the railwaymen of wholehearted support. The tramway union also resolutioned approving of the railway strike.

AUCKLAND DECISION. AUCKLAND, This Day. The Auckland men of the R. 0.1. decided to take a ballot on the question of a sympathy strike, and meantime to handle air urgent or perishable goods consigned before t-he strike.