RAILWAYMEN AND THE STRIKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1181, 6 December 1913, Page 2

RAILWAYMEN AND THE STRIKE.

It was stated by Mr Dowgray, acting-president oi the Federation of Labour, at a strike demonstration meeting on Sunday night, that a deputation from the railway servants would wait on tha Prime Minister to ask what the intention ot the Government was in connection with the action of the employers in refusing to meet the Federation of Labour in a tribunal presided over by the Right Hon. Sir Joshua Williams. The president of the Amalgamated Society ot Railway Servants (Mr T. Wilson) and the general secretary (Mr M. J. Mack) state that there is no truth in the statement and absolutely no justification for it. “ The A.S.R.S.” said Mr Wilson, “together with other trade unions not associated with the Federation of Labour, used its influence during the early stages of the strike in the hope of bringing about a settlement. This friendly action on our part was construed by the Federation leaders to mean an active interest in promoting the strike. We withdrew from the Unity Conference last July because we differed strongly from the Federation leaders over the question of direct action of this character, and our views to-day are stronger than ever, as a result of what has happened. “ There is a great difference in taking part in peace negotiations and joining in an industrial disturbance,” added Mr Wilson, “ I am taking steps to explain the position more fully to members of our society throughout New Zealand.”