THE RAILWAY STRIKE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4690, 26 April 1924, Page 2

THE RAILWAY STRIKE.

LOCAL CONDITIONS. NO SIGN OF IMPROVEMENT. in conversation witli some of the railway workers on Thursday morning it was learned that <be Paeroa branch of the A.S.R.S. was the governing body of Waihi, Thames, and Te Arolia sub-branches, and that the ballot in favour of the strike lia-l been practically unanimous. It appears that over one hundied railway’ workers in this district, including bridge carpenters, platelayers, signalmen, signal adjusters, guards, porters, shunters, and train examiners, are affected by the strike. Forty of these man belong to Paeroa, and 80 per cent, of the whole are married. Up to the present the loco, staff is no', on strike. They are working m short shifts, carrying out repairs to their engines and generally cleaning and tuning up.

Meejngs in camera arc being held daily by the local branch of the A.S.R.S., but they are vciy reticent as to the business enacted. In conversation with one of the railwaymen this morning it was learned that sb fa r as the local branch of the society know there were no further developments toward a settlement of the dispute. It was stated that the majority of the .second division men were heartily sick of the idleness, and would welcome the opportunity to “turn to” again.

There appears to be little chance at present of the loco, men coming onL but they will resist any attempt to man their trains with other than second division railway labour. It appears that Paeroa, in common with other important railway junctions, had the railway yards fairly free o F goods before the strike was de- Jared.