RAILWAY STRIKE.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1924, Page 2

RAILWAY STRIKE.

ONE TRAIN AT NELSON. NELSON, April 23. A train came in from the country this morning. It proceeds to Gtenhope to-day and returns this evening, proceeding back to Belgrove. Air Lowry, the stationmaster in charge (who is not a member of the Institute) is acting as guard, shunter, etc. This train service is a great convenience to the community, including 309 school children. POSITION AT DUNEDIN. DUNEDIN, April 23. ’The position was unchanged at Dunedin this morning. One suburban train from Mosaicl reached Dunedin at 9, but there was no outward train. A train despatched from Oamaru this morning, arrived this afternoon, and returned at 2. A train .from Invercargill arrived at 1 p.m., and was despatched oil the return journey at 2.30. There is no railway communication between Dunbdiu and Port Chnjhners. Kerry boats are plying to and from tho city. Large numbers of taxis took people north and south. Several services have, been arranged with motor buses. Coal supplies are likely to rui short in a lew days. The mines in Otago will lie forced to close shortly, on jug to the inability to got stocks away. The Alilhurn Lime and Cement Works at Alilhurn closed to-day, putting sixty men out. As no raw material is coming to hand, the cement works at Dunedin, employing G 3 will close on Friday if'the strike continues, and the compnaiy’s Dunbach works, with 33 bands will also close this Week. This will cause dislocation’ in the local building trade, with further unemployment. The railway stoppage also affects the fruit carriage from Central Otago. AN EXPRESS TO STOP. INVERCARGILL, April 23. To-day was quiet, without any noteworthy incidents.

An express with 400 passengers got through to Dunedin, and a workers train ran to and from Bluff as usual. It is announced, however, that no further effort will be made to run the express to Dunedin this week, as the number of passengers will not wan ant such service. The Bluff train will ho kept going. A train from Dunedin reached town to-night. The watersiders at the Bluff declared 10 trucks “black,” on the ground that the guard-luul assisted to shunt them into the yards. - The majority of sawmills have not resumed since Easter. ALARLBOROUGH CAR SERVICES'BLE'NHEIAf. April 23. ■ No time has been lost in arranging for motor services to replace, as iar as possible, the railway. Tho Kaikoura United Alotor Company lias commenced a daily motor service between Blenheim and Waid. Cars are leaving Blenheim each day for Picton at 3.30 p.m GOVERNAI ENT PLANS. BLENHEIM, April 23. A,s' an indication that the Government are preparing for a long’ struggle is contained in a telegram which Afr >L Cook (Public Works Department) lias received from headquarters. This ruessage says:— ‘•ln view of increased lorry traffic on account of flic railway strike, tho Department must get in touch, with the Chambers of Commerce and discuss road traffic with them, and then confer with local bodies affected. Endeavour to get them to bring tlioir maintenance men from side roads on to the main routes. 'Pile Department is also to put on flying gangs of men if special cases of necessity arise. You arc to take responsibility for a section of road from Pieton to Blenheim mid Blenheim to Wha. ranui. Advise wliat action is to ho taken, and if special labour is necessary and requisition approximate sums. To view of the fact that AfavllKirough Chamber of Commerce is defunct, or moribund, AH Cook is conferring with tho Progress League instead. Ho is also in close touch with the County Engineer (Afr G. S. Whiteside).

POSITION rx CANTERBURY. CHRISTCHURCH. April 23. The offer of a motor transport firm for a mail service to the West Coast lias been accepted. A ear will leave the Coast for Christchurch on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Cars leave Christchurch oil Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Commercial circles are quic-t. Ihe wntorsidors are sympathetic to the railwaymen ami there was very little work olfering to insufficient trucks on the wharf, the Waiheimi with oil for discharge was not worked to-day. Gatnga were employed on the Mora. Orepmu, John and Cygnet, the trucks being shunted by means of capstans. It. is probable mat- in the event ol motoi trucks being sent to the port to convey cargoes hy road, the workers will refuse to work the ships, ihe watorsiders do not favour the introduction of motor trucks on wharves which they consider are purely railway wharves. The Workshops were the seem- of inactivity and no men were working in the yards. As apprentices, under their articles cannot join the strikers, they are the only ones at work, but as ail the machinery is idle, there is very little for them to do.

Sympathy with the railwaymen was expressed on all sides by members of other unions and the majority seemed to think thta the strike would spread sympathy. There seemed to be a very small attendance at Ricearton to-day. 1 r.e trams reported a very quiet day. They made plenty of provision for racegoers, but the cars were not all required.

WELLINGTON REPORT. t t * —— t - April 23. The strike position i.s unchanged. -All trains are stopped. There is some talk of an emergency train service. As a result of inquiries made today a reporter was informed that a limited mail service is being run very satisfactorily in noth islands by means of motor cars and motor lorries, ami that passengers, food and freight aie also being handled very well by fleets of motor vehicles.

It is, however, impossible for the vehicles to cope with anything like the full normal volume of mail and passenger traffic. A fleet of about forty motor lorries left Wellington at an early hour yesterday morning with mails for Hutt Valley, Wajrnrapa, Mnnawatii, and beyond, and many others left later in the day. The Government reports it has received telegrams from owners of motor vehicles all over the country offering the use of their motors for the purpose of meeting as far as possible, vital transportation needs of the community. Private enterprise is also very actively catering for such needs, as on the occasion of the previous railway strike.

Prolonged Struggle Promised Both Sides Continue Firm

The Chambers of Commerce throughout the Dominion are rendering tho Government valuable assistance in the direction of allocating the most urgent freight and means of transportation available. MR AI ASSET ’S REPLIES. WELLINGTON, April 23 ... The following statement was made” by the Prime Alinister this morning: ’ ■•Somewhat of a wrong impression , was convoyed by the statement of the ' President of the A.S.R.S. with regard to the offer of a Supreme Court Judge to act as Chairman of the Wages Board. It is correct to say that the name of Air Justice Sim was mentioned, hut he was not the only Judge who was suggested as being particularly suitable for the position ot President. In connection with the dispute which now unfortunately exists the names of the judges were mentioned^—but as a matter of tact, while the, representatives of the railwaymen said that tiiev did not like Supreme Court Judges they were not turned down definitely. We made it perfectly clear that there might he difficulties in the way of appointment’ of any member of the Supreme Court Bench, and, as a matter of fact, we take the names of two K.C’.’s, whom, if need be, wo intended to suggest. However, everytning was upset hv the announcement made on Alonday that the Executive of-the A.S.R.S. were determined on one or two courses—either an increase of wages, or a strike.

Supreme Court Judges are not bound to become presidents or members of commissions only as they feel inclined, and unless their other duties.^_/ permit; hut on important eonimissions I personally prefer a Judge of the Supreme Court to anyone else because lie is impartial and unbiased and brings training and experience to bear on difficult matters in connection with whivli lie is sometimes called upon to adjudicate. Just let me say hero that it has not been unusual lor judges to he appointed as Commissioners. In some cases the law actually provides for it. Take election petitions. The Court Law says it must consist of two Supreme Court Judges, i can remember a Coiumission set iqi by tile late Prime Alinister (Rt Hon R. J. Seddoii), oil what were called the voucher charges. Air Seddon appointed, if my recollection vs right, practically a whole bench of judges (6), as members of the Commission. On the Cement Commission a year or two ago, Justice Sim wrs appointed with the consent of all e. l - corned on a very important Na'i-.’S Land Commission some years ago. The Chief Justice was himself President of the Commission, and there are numbers of such instances, if “twerc necessary to quote them.” ALLEGED TNT TATI D ATI ON.

CHRISTCHURCH, April 23. The decision of the A.S.R.S. that the strike would he a model one as far as the men were concerned, and that •’ there would be no intimidation, is not being substantiated, according to some high railway officials in Christchurch. Complaints are made that intimidation of a serious kind is being resorted to, and that, through these tactics, the Railway Department has been deprived of the services of some of the men who remained on duty. Anonymous letters have been sent to the workers, making threats that they would lie put out of action, or subjected to various forms of physical violence, and the wives of these men have also been-written to ill the same way, and the effect might be easily imagined. The officials declare, that in several cases, men were subjected to physical pressure to keep them lroin working. One man had lus bicycle taken irom him, and he was led off forcibly by pickets grasping his arms. In another ease, two men who were guarding a crossing over which trains passed, and were accosted by pickets and invited to leave the job. They refused to do so, and tho pickets retired, ,Shortly afterwards about 20 women ' appeared oil the scene and they commenced throwing stones at the railwaymen. one of whom received i.n injury to his leg.

The result of the tactics d?',ci 'bed was that several of the Second Division men notified the officials that they conid not attend further during the strike.

The opinion was expressed that the pickets really wanted other pickets to look after them. The officials consider the talk about a model strike is merely eyewash for the public, and is entirely opposed to what, is actually happening. RAILWAY FINANCE. •WELLINGTON, April 23. The finances of the Dominion, especially in relation to the railways, formed the subject of a statement hy All Massey to-day. He pointed out that the railways were expected to earn 3:1 per cent., and he had no doubt they did earn that profit last year. In. 1920- .the deficit was £121,390; in 1921- it, was £1.008.224; and in 192223 it was £285,011. In normal years freight and fares were not high enough to meet working expanses and the interest on the capital cost of the open lines. Moreover, working expenses did not- cover interest charges on unopened lines which are born* by the Consolidated Fund till the lines are opened. The loss under this heading was estimated at £224,00!) in 1922-23. “It will he seen,” he said, .“tlm i,i v additional charge on the railways cannot be earned in the ordinary way.

but must come from the taxpayer, through the Consolidated Fund. Hus means" additional taxation, ami \ know most people are looking anxiously .or a reduction of taxation, rather than alt increase.” AT WESTPORT. WESTPORT, April 2.3. A meeting of the railwaymen, held this morning, resolved: —“That this Board of the A.S.R.S. strongly resent the action of the local picture proprietors in refusing to announce the result of the decision by the Executive of strike action.” A deputation of the Watorsidcrs waited on the local bra tick of the A.S.R. S.. and expressed entire sympathy. The'General Kecretaiy of the A.S.R. S. has telegraphed that men have responded splendidly, and there is absolute unanimity everywhere. The Executive are 'unanimous and confident. A social committee was set up, and a hand was formed to provide recreation for the period of the strike. There is to lie a compulsory roll call of all members of the A.S.R .S. at 10.30 every

mernmg. The situation, ; with regard to the distribution of mails, remains much the same as yesterday. The railwaymen, headed by their band, marched to Victoria Square, this afternoon, and played a game of football. They play again tomorrow.

The Secretory of the local Wntorsiders Union has nothing to report. Tho powers that he have sent the Public Works Engineer to inspect tho bridges in tlio district, and make them safe for traffic. WELLINGTON, April 23. Mr Massey stated to-day that tie. " creases were expected in revenue, due to penny postage, reduced tea duty, and he pointed out that there were indications for a considerable drop in the prices of produce, except wool, which also meant less revnuo. iic added: “I don’t want to cause any anxiety about financial matters, but I desire to warn the. public against extravagant expenditure, either publicly or privately.” HAWKE’S BAY RESOLUTION'S. NAPIER, April 23. At a meeting of the Hawke’s Bay District Council of the Alliance of baf hour, at Napier to-night, the following’ resolutions were carried:- — 1. That the railway-men of New Zealand are putting up a class fight, and that this Hawke’s Bay District Council of the Alliance of Labour will stand by them, until such fight is brought to a successful issue. 2. —That this Hawke’s Bay District Council of the Alliance of Labour congratulates Mr H. E. Holland and other members of the Labour Party on the tight they are putting up for the rail-way-men and workers throughout New Zealand.

ALLIANCE OK LABOUR. WELLINGTON, Apri 123. There is little new to report regarding situation. .Several phrases were considered by the Alliance of Labour yesterday afternoon, when a report upon the situation was submitted by representatives of tlie A.S.R.S.

Owing to the fact that reports and information from other parts of the Dominion were not. to hand, the meeting was adjourned.

Mr Roberts (Secretary of the Alliance) stated this morning that the discussion will he resumed when Lhe, necessary data was received, probably this evening.

AV A TER SID I'.'US’ UNION’S DKMA XJ DUNEDIN, April 21.

At a special meeting this morning the Watersiders’ Union resolved:—“lt is demanded, in the. interest of the country, that the Premier immediately assemble Parliament for the express purpose of speedily terminating the trouble forced on the Railway employees and other workers of New Zealand. We are also of the opinion that any further delay might bring about something in the nature of a national calamity.”

THREE, TRAINS AT WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, April 24. There were three trains out and in from Wellington to the ’Lower Ilutt and one to the Upper. Hutt this morning. They were, however, poorly patronised, due no doubt to the lack of information as to the Department’s intentions. There wa.se no demonstration at the stations. V. AND T. RESOLUTION. DUNEDIN, April 21. The Dunedin Branch of the P. and T. Association conveyed its good wishes to the railwaymen resdisng that they tiro fighting for the rights of every worker in New Zealand. It was resolved that the branch support the policy of the executive committee ill pressing for the restoration of the 1911 standard and in the event of the negotiations failing to instructs the executive to take a strike ballot LOSS OF WAGES. WELLINGTON, April 24. It is estimated that between eleven amt twelve thousand men. in the. second division of the Railway service are out on strike ami that their wages hill amounts to between £S,(X)O and £9,000 per day or over £50,000 per week. Daily to the strikers in Wellington. who number about, one thousand, it is between £730 and £B9O. TRAINS AT CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, April 24. A train for Tiinaru with ten passenger ears and a luggage van with over six hundred passengers got away from, the Christchurch station at 11.10 o’clock, ten minutes behind advertised time. Its departure was watched by a huge crowd. There was much cheering and 1 waving of handkerchiefs by the passengers and spectators. Administrative officials acted as luggage porters and ticket inspector, who are not members of tho Officers Institute went as guards no signals being used. Advice was received that a train for Christchurch had left Oamarn at 10.4 and the crossing would probably be at Timaru.

Tho ferry train from Lyttelton arrived without incident and it train for Lyttelton is expected to get away at 4 p.m.

No second division traffic moil are working at the Christchurch station and it is reported (Tint only two nt the North Canterbury officers of the institute are taking the stand that members must not undertake second division work; which is expected will increase the difficulties of the Department.