TRAM STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1932, Page 6

TRAM STRIKE

APPLICATIONS FOB POSITIONS

OVER 600 AT NOON TO-DAY

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, May 4

■Applications lor employment are coulee g in ‘Hz '3UC.L a rate that the Tramway Board is unable to keep a complete tally of them. At noon over six hundred had been received.- The Board has sufficient staff to run an evening service, but, as a precaution against possible disturbances, it has decided that, today and to-morrow, the last cafT will leave the Square ac 5.45 p, jn.

It is stated that a number of strikers are already ; applying for reijistatement., Motormen tire urgently needed, and are being re-engaged. Union officials affirm that there is no weakening, and the strike will be continued, though they are willing, th'j any time, to reopen negotiations on , reasonable terms. A big Trade Unions meeting will be held in the Trades ‘Hall this evening, when, dt is believed, the possibility of the ■strike being extended will be discussed.

MR. ARMSTRONG JOINS STRIKE

CHRISTCHURCH, May o

Mr A. E. Armstrong, an Independent Labour member of the, City Council, who is employed in the tramway car shop, joined the strikers today. He is believed to be the only member of the Board’s staff,, other than traffic men, who has ceased .work. Mr Armstrong spoke later at a meeting of the men.

WELLINGTON .SUPPORTS STRIKE. WELLINGTON, May 4. Following a meeting of 'the Wellington tramwaymen this moining, it was announced that the men had unanimously decided to 'support the Christchurch tramwaymen with moral and financial help. . “We could not help the Christchurch men by going out on strike here, remarked one of the officials in reply to a question as to what the effect of tne decision would be, insofar as Wellington was concerned.

PUBLIC INTEREST IN STRIKE. CHRISTCHURCH, May 4. Public interest in the tramway strike was shown this morning by the crowds waiting on the Safety Zone in Cathedral Square. Where tens of people stand at normal times, hundreds assembled at an early hour to-day, and- the area was thick with police. Trams were pulling up to the shelters with fair fiequeney, and it was strange to see so many' mufti-clad meq jn the place oj the usiiafj Aea-tl.v-Vimfornied officials. Strenuous efforts are now being made to bring the strike to an end. Officials of the Public Works Department and Labour Department, acting on instructions from Wellington; have taken a. hand with a view to -seeing U a settlement can be reached.

Separate conferences were held this r.fternobn for this purpose.