RAILWAY STRIKE.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1924, Page 2

RAILWAY STRIKE.

Both Sides 8

STRIKE LEADERS. WELLINGTON, April 22 The President of tlie Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants (M. Connelly) stated this morning that the position so far as the Society was concerned was absolutely solid. “It is a fact that the solidarity ol the men has exceeded my expectations. This is largely due to the fact that they recognise they have justice on

their side, and that the Government has spurned all peaceful offers for a .settlement made on behalf of the railway-men by the leaders. We have hetm receiving communications from many business men congratulating us on the stand we have taken and assuring us of their best wishes. ’ This, said Mr Connelly, seemed to indicate that public opinion was strongly on the side of the railwaymen and they felt confident that the justice of their claim would enable them to win out. lu reply to questions, Mr M. .1. Mack (Secretary of the A.S.R.S.) stated the ballot papers received from the various centres on the strike issue showed that direct action was favored by 82 per cent of the men that voted. Tlie decision to strike had been unanimously approved by the Executive of the Society. Asked whether he fore coming to a decision to declare a strike, the executive had considered the effect upon the arrangements for fleet week, including the

transportation of children from the country districts, Mr Mack shrugged his shoulders, but made no reply. The number of railway employees on strike in Wellington is about a thousand.

AT DUNEDIN. DUNEDIN. April 22. The local executive of the A.S.R.S. issued the following statement: —

Every mail is out iii Ditnediu-Otago branch. All are standing solidly behind the decision of the executive Council to force the issue to secure justice.

There was no 'communication between Dunedin and Invercargill today. The train to Mosgiel had to return with the engine pushing, as there wore no facilities for working the tu rntablp. The re-opening of many country schools in Otago and Southland after the holidays is delayed as the teachers on holiday tour are unable to return. Mr Holland sent the following wire on behalf of the Parliamentary Labour Party to all non-labour members:— “ The party is firmly convinced that il Parliament had an opportunity of dealing with matters in dispute a settlement would be speedily effected, and earnestly invites your support to tl’.cir request to the Prime Minister that the House he called together immediately. A FOOLISH STATEMENT. AND THE E.K.C.A. RETORT'. WELLINGTON. April 22. i A statement made by a member ol 1 the .Executive ol the A.S.R.S. in addressing a meeting of the Railwayman at Petono Ibis morning, that the members of tlie E.K.C.A. would soon he with them, and that il they did not come in by their heads tliev would he dragged in by their shoulders drew a .sharp reply from the President and Acting-Secretary ol the Engine Diii- ! ers’ Firemen and Cleaners’ Organisation, Mr R. Carroll. “]f the .insinuation is Ilia 1 the A.S.R.S thinks it is going to wreck our Association by such methods.'’ declare! [ Mr Carroll. “I have yet to learn that they are likely to bludgeon ! us into any action that we da not approve of.” I EFFECT ON HIK CHANGE POSITION AT WHANGARIiI WHAXGARET, Ami! 22. The railway service between M hatigarei and Northland came to an abrupt and complete cessation as trom midnight. Tf the stoppage continues all the mining operations at Hikurangi will have to close down or he considerably eurtailed. Motor vehicles met the steamer at Oncrahi this morning, conveying five i hundred passengers to Whnngaroi. A meeting of the Chamber of Com- : meree and Council is convened for this i afternoon with a view to calling the | business people together later to ar- ■ range an auxiliary service northward and southward of Whangarei to deal with the essential traffic. EXCITEMENT AT PALMERSTON. PALMERSTON, April 22. When the news or the strike was made known last night there was a big rush of people to the late Main Trunk train, all anxious to reach their homes. The South Main Trunk express ibis morning carried a large number of passengers and there were exciting scenes at the railway station when the first express arrived. There was such a rush to gain seats, it being almost impossible for passengers in alight. The officials had a busy time keeping an orderly procession. Many were left, behind and went on by the second express.

AUCKLAND LABOUR OPINION. AUCKLAND. April 22. A meeting at the Trades Hall, attended by eight hundred , raihvaymen, was addressed h.v .Messrs Bertram. M.P., Hickey (Organiser for Auckland) and Purtell (.Secretary of the Dairymen’s Union). Strike committees wore formed hut the appointment of a strike organiser was deferred. The opinion was expressed that the .strike would not last more than two days and then if it did it was not expected that ether unions would be asked to down tools. IN SOUTHLAND RACEGOERS STRANDED. INVERCARGILL, April 22. Six hundred men are effected by the .strike in the Southland district. ''lie Bluff train to convev woiv: * rail in the Port and hack to-day. There is tlu* possibility of a train to iJiiiiediii to-:norrow if the crew can lie arranged. There v, a a uiild demonstration against strike-breakers in the Post Office square this morning. The delivery of letters throughout the province has been arranged.

Numerous charabancs and motor conveyances are taking passengers to Dunedin and other destinations. The strikers posted pickets at the railway station and yards, their object being to persuade the non-strikers to go out. Arrangements for the delivery of all perishable goods from the goodsheds hare been made. The Borough is restricting the lighting service on account of a coal shortage. Street lighting will be eliminated after to-morrow.

A Complete Stoppage-

and Firm.

There is no sugar reserve, and a shortage is likely.

Crowds or Easter visitors are marooned and the streets are dotted with idle groups, apparently lost and in sorry contemplation of the situation. Many Riverton racegoers are stranded. STATEMENT BY LIBERAL LEADER. WELLINGTON. April 22. -< Mr T. M. Wilford. leader of the Opposition, in a statement issued to-day, says the Liberal Executive met and considered the position soon after tlie deadlock on the fifth, inst., and has been in negotiation with the different parties to the dispute over since. Ho believed, up to yesterday, his efforts would not he fruitless. He rc- • grots the strike as the aftermath of cverv industrial upheaval is resentment, ill-will and bitterness. “As to v tlie attitude of the Liberal Paity -iii . reference to some of the outstanding matters of tlie dispute,” said Mr Wilford. “I will state it here. We stand in favour of a 44-hour week, particularly in the case of the railway men whose hours are ottcii irregulai and whose responsibilities arc very gieat. Having, with my party, voted, against a reduction of the salaries of those in the public service receiving £320 a year and under, T unhesitatingly support that vote by restoration, as in our opinion, no one receiving a salary of £320 a year and under should have been penalised. This view. has been strengthened since the g ut as the Government has been able to make big reductions in taxation. I do not wish to go into the question of the cost of living further than to say that. , T believe, when the increased cost of rent and clothing is calculated to-day i„ conjunction with all the food groups, it will he found that the difference is nearer 70 than GO per cent. Our partv does not support the strike methods. The Prime Minister’s manifesto this morning carried no weight at all. 1 have his speeches since lus return from England and find that _ wlien he wishes to advocate a reduction of taxation he tells us everything is well with the country; and when he faces the question of increased wages u , those who have a desperate struggle; to make ends meet he predicts disaster.” . ). Mr Wilford concluded by urging further negotiations. GLUT' OF VEHICLES. WELLINGTON, April 22. The last train to arrive to-day was the express from Auckland. There were no suburban trains, hub. motor transport from the Hurt Valley commenced the first tiling this morning. Ho many vehicles are offering that there is not sufficient passengers for all. Good use was made of the newly surfaced H.utt road. '"V NO WORK AT WESTPORT.

WESTPORT, April 22. There is no work on the railways bore. At a mass meeting this morning committees were set up. MR MASSEY’S STATEMENT. WELLINGTON, April 22. The following statement was made by the Prime Minister, following on a meeting of Cabinet to-day:—“ln connection with the present industrial trouble, 1 desire to remind the citizens of the Dominion that the Government have used all reasonable means to settle the difficulty which has now been forced upon us. The Government •;et up a. Wages. Board representative of the A.S.R.S. on one side, and on tlie other of the Railway Management, with an impartial chairman agreed to by both sides. The A.S.R.S.. hurst that Board up, after it had been sitting IT several days. The Executive of the A.S.R.S. issued strike notices. Half the evidence had been heard, with regal'd to the claims which they had put forward. They refused to accept the Court of Arbitration and Conciliation, which has long been looked upon as the constitutional method qf. settling disputes, when arranging details for another Board, which, at their own request, was intended In he set up, they suddenly broke off negotiations, and announced that unless the Government at once increased their wages, all trains would stop at midnight on Monday, 21st. April. They chose as the time for striking, dates arranged for celebration of welcome to the British Fleet, thus seriously interfering with the great occasion and disappointing many thousands of citizens, especially school children, who had intended to he present. By a strike being declared, says the statement, it lias now become a question whether this country is governed by constitutional methods or by direct action. 1 appeal to all citizens, especially owners of motor cars, and motor wagons, to assist tlie Government in carrying on the business of the country, and so to minimise any loss or inconvenience which must result as an outcome of unwise, precipitate action of the leaders of tlie rail wnynioii. actuated I have no doubt by inlluenccs behind them which do not appear on the surface. Already hundreds of offers to assist- the Government have been received from all parts of the Dominion.

MP CONNELLY’S REPLY. WELLINGTON April 22. Mr M. Connelly. President - of the A.S.P.S. has made the following remarks in reply bo Mr Massey’s statement yesterday:—--1. The Society made a claim for an increase in wages in February. 11123, 15 months ago. The Government refused this. 2.—The Society again petitioned the Government in August of last year for an increase in pay. This was also refused. 3—The Society also approached the Minister of Railways in November, for ’ an increase of wages. Tins was again refused. 4. —The Society once more approached ihe Min is ter in February, 1924, and made the same request for an increase in pay as had been done previously. This request was again refused. Ihe Minister promised, however, to make a straight out proposal on wages when he returned front the South. This proposal has never yet been made. 5. The Society went before ,the Wages Board, and. finding that no re--suits were forthcoming on the wage question, offered to withdraw all claims unreservedly, to get a decision on wages. The Chairman declined to accept this. o.—When the Chairman presented his interim report, after eight days’ discussion on the wages question, and no recommendation for an increase of v.ages was forthcoming *•>«» -Society offered to recede from the demand of 2s Gel per day. in order to bring about a-.settlement. The Department’s representatives ignored this offer. 7. 'j - hc Government offered Hr Barton. S.M.. ns Chairman for the previous Board, but declined the request of the Society to allow him to preside over the new tribunal.

■ fl.—Tlio Government gave, as one reason why Mr Barton could not be appointed, that he was presiding over a Commission in Auckland, but offered us Judge Sim, who was presiding over the Taxation Commission, sitting in Wellington. The said Cmmission is considered by the Prime Minister to be of tile utmost importance to the people of the Dominion. !).—The Government knew that the Society had refused a Supreme Court Judge for the previous Board. It now insisted on. a Supreme Court .Judge for the proposed new tribunal.

“1 notice that tbc 'Prime .Minister lias displayed great anxiety lost tbc school children should not he allowed to see the Fleet. One cannot help contrasting air .Massey's anxiety over this matter to his determined opposition to the request of the Society to give the fathers of those same school children a living wage in order to feed and nourish the little ones. If be is genuine in bis desire, there is yet time to negotiate a reasonable .settlement, which will enable this to he done."

CHRISTCHURCH HAS AM PIT STOCKS.

CHRISTCHURCH. April 22.

No definite scheme has been formulated as yet for the transportation of passengers by motor ears, the proprietors at present being content to meet the demands made upon them privately, until such time as more information is. available regarding the effectiveness of any "skeleton’’ service that the Hailway Department may lie aide to maintain.

It is understood that there are am pie stocks of petrol on hand.

Christchurch has no fear of a coal shortage for a month or more. All the Jarge Consumers have large stocks on hand the freezing works, tanneries, and woollen' companies included.

The coal merchants have large stocks of steam and household coal. The gas company has enough coal in stock lor a month or two.

Complete arrangements have been made by the Postal Department for the conveyance of mails throughout Canterbury and also to Dunedin. The Chief Postmaster lias at bis command fleet of about fifty motor vehicles.

An offer lias been received to convey the mails to Dunedin by aeroplane this service will not be used unless express trains fail to run.

WELLINGTON STRUCK XOTKS. WELLINGTON, April 22 There is no material change in the strike position. All the members of the' A.S.R.P. have ceased work. Those on trains arriving in Wellington to-day left on arrival.

Kverything passed off quietly. There is no semblance of disorder. Passengers arriving by train dispersed quickly. Very lew people are seen about the stations, beyond a skeleton staff and a few policemen. No attempt has been made to run an emergency service locally. There does not appear to be a shortage ol

anything. Arrangements have been made lor conveyance of essentials such at meat, milk, Hour, potatoes and other foodstuffs by motor lorry. .Meetings of commercial men, motor lorry owners and carriers have been held to arrange other transport, as may be .-required. On the waterfront, there appears to

be a little slackening off in loading c operations, due to the fact that the railway rolling stock is not available.

Reports from the West Coast, Lyttelton, Wanganui and other ports are to the effect that the absence of rolling stock is bolding up small steamers, including coal supplies from Westport. There is no talk of participation h.v the other unions so far, the executives of which, however, are now in constant session. Although no trains are running, members of the locomotive staffs are at their posts, having reported for duty as usual. The Alliance of Labour adjourned its meeting until to-morrow for reports and information from the country.

Consequent upon the railway disorganisation, the quest ion of distiibution of food stuffs and other necessaries to and from the country districts has already engaged the attention of those interested. A strong

committee of local business men Ims - been set up. lo watch the position, so that no unnecessary hardship may tie inflicted upon the consuming public. The locomotive men still sa.v that they will not come out, but Mr Connelly openly expresses the hope that the strikers will still get them. At present, it is understood that they will run trains if the proper personnel is provided, and it can be safely done. There was a great rush for the night train to Auckland, especially when it was definitely known that it would go right through. No attempt will he made to-day to run trains on any lines. Arrangements are being made to forward mails to Napier and ■ New Plymouth by motor, and horn the latter by steamer to Auckland. It is expected that motor lorries will largely relieve the congestion in th* country districts.

HILLSIDE WORKSHOPS PICKETED. DUNEDIN, April 22. At the Hillside workshops, wheru (500 men nr cemployed only the apprentices and some half-a-dozen men arc working,. The works are picketed, hut few refused to obey the A.S.H.S. command to go on strike. Ihe committee notices enjoin members not to interfere with non-strikers, and to make the strike a model. There is a great, deal of repair work on hand, so that tli discolntion is serious. Tw otraius got away this morning. A passenger train left for Christchurch at 10.17 and a suburban train lor Mosgiel. Suburban workers were unable to reach town, causing business dislocation. Many people are stranded with insufficient money to see them through - a long wait. It was a curious sight, the statioumaster and high officials wheeling porters ’trollies. Many taxis • were commissioned by visitors urgently requiring transport north or south.

POSITION AT CHRISTCHURCH

TRAIN ARRIVES FROM DUNEDIN

CHRISTCHURCH, April 22. An emergency train from Dunedin arrived at 5.22 to-night. It comprised 19 well-filled carriages. Many passengers for the North Island were very disappointed on hearing that they had missed connection with the ferry steam-

Some of the Senior Executive Officers on the Christchurch railway staff have not slept since Sunday night, having been working continually since the strike was called and to-night they were showing signs oi' strain. It is understood that in regard to the emergency sendees, Christchurch has done the best of the four centres.

temporary services cancelled.

CHRISTCHURCH, April 22, Advice was received at a late hour tnnP'M that all the arrangements rA i"nd« by •!» Department for the running of temporary services had been cancelled The District Traffic Manager stated

ho understood that the signalmen, who had stood by the Department until today, had been intimidated into joining the strike.

Owing to the latest developments, tin only train to run to-morrow is tha which meets the ferry steamer at Lyt telton in the morning, and it is doubt ful if even this will run.

MB SEMPLE'S STATEMENT. I) GNEDIN. April 22. Air Semple is the Strike Organiser lor the Otago District. He made the following statement, tin's morning: "We met the men of both the Shops and the Traffic Departments. They seemed to realise the full .significance of the strike, and they display the greatest solidarity. They appear to lie particularly anxious to have their grievances put right at the earliest possible moment, and they are prepared to do anything and everything to firing about a speedy settlement. The responsibility rests with the Government. Information, from the north simps is that the men are united everywhere. "Parliament has been closed for S months,” Mr Semple added. “Surely tile public must realise that the demand made that Parliament should lie opened in order to give the people's representatives an opportunity of dealing with the matters in dispute, is a reasonable demand." Mr Semple said that any Government actuated with the right spirit would have called Parliament together not only to deal with the railway trouble, but with the Post and Telegraph Officers grievances. "Just fancy,” said lie, “Parliament has been shut for eight months, and yet the Members have been drawing full pay all the time!" QUESTION OF SUPERANNUATION. DUNEDIN, April 22.

A prominent railway employee was asked by an. "Otago Daily Times" reporter if be thought the men would le.se their superannuation as a result of their going out on strike. The railwayman said that be did not tliiuk tbc Government would dare to so penalise the men, nor did be think the public would allow it to do so. WESTPORT MEN’S- RESOLUTION. WESTPORT. April 22. At a mass meeting of the A.S.R.S. Westport Branch, the following resoI lit ion was carried : - - “That Ibis large and representative meeting of the Westport Branch of the A.S.R.S. views with distinct resentment the action of the Department in circulating propaganda- opposing, the proposals of our Executive. wliethoi such propaganda be the production ol the Government itself or the Welfare I/,-ague. 'Fm tiler, we are determined to take any steps necessary to assist our ’Executive in maintaining the 44liour week as the reversion of the 48 hours week would sound the death knell of any effort made bv the workers to gain legitimate leisure for the value of services rendered in their various ealilngs." POSITION AT GP.KVMOUTH. G RELMOUTH, April 23.

There is no development on the railways. Work has been stopped on the wharves and the State Mine is idle, but the Blackball and Boa mines are working till the binns ale full, which will be this week.

AIR SEMPLE'S STATEMENT. D GNEDIN. April 23. -.Mr Semple stated this morning that though the Railwnymen were unanimously determined to get a settlement of their grievances, the olive branch was always held out. FERRY TRAIN ONLY. CHRISTCHURCH, April 20. A tiain bio light ferry passengers through the tunnel to-day. but otherwise no trains are running. Southern passengers secured seats in south bound motor curs from Christchurch. Sir Heaton Rhodes who goes north to-night, says an aerial mail to Dunedin would lie ex|xuisive, but he will (.outer with the Chief Postmaster. POSITION AT DUNEDIN. DUNEDIN, April 23. At a largely attended meeting of Otago Motor -mil Horse Drivers’ Union it was decided to suppoi t the Railwaymen in their protest against the Government instituting a 18-hour week. 'I lie Union also decided to nlaee itselt unreservedly in the hands ol the Alliance of Labour. There is no Inundation for the rumour that the watersi d'ers and .seamen will >4 like. A prominent Unionist said the matter had never been considered and was not likely to be. He added that the waterside rs would probably show sympathy by .a levy for strike funds. The goodsheds are practically deserted h.v lorries and vans this morning. A few " loro pickets were in evidence outside Hillside workshops, than yesterday. Tt is reported that none of the men win) put in an anpeuraiico at Hillside yesterday offered for service to-da.v. HATE SERYICE SATISFACTORY DUNEDTN. April 23. Arrangements for the despatching and receiving of mails are working well. All second-class matter for the North Island was sent forward by the steamer Canadian Pioneer, leaving Dunedin at 10 a.m. Ihe lettei pm tion of all mails for the North left by motor and the mails should reach Lyttelton in time to connect with the ferry. The Post Ollice bus also arranged to complete the mail service to and from Central Otago. TRAINS AT NEW PLYMOUTH. NEW PLYMOUTH. April 23.

The mail train left at flic usual time this morning with seventy or cmlity passengers going to Wanganui am: returning l.liis evening at, the usual timetable time. The local train is also running from I lav era to New Plymouth and hack, carrying passengers ; ,ml allv goods I hat may he loaded. Several cars also left with passengers, ex ■Rarawa. from Auckland, ami others fur southern destinations.

DAILY SERVICE AT GISBORNE. GISBORNE, April 23

A daily railway service between Gisborne and Motrlmra R being maintained. A train load of meat was brought in under the control of the Statioumaster and is being loaded for transhipment to the Mahana, the watersiders stating they will take no action till advised form Wellington. Coal supplies are satisfactory and are good for month or two.