THE STRIKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2724, 24 April 1924, Page 2

THE STRIKE.

PREMIER APPEALS FOR PUBLIC HELP. HINTS AT THE “UNSEEN HAND.” Wellington, April 22. Mr Massey made the following statement to-day in connection with the present industrial trouble: —“I desire to remind the citizens of the Dominion t hat the Government has used all nasonablc means to settle the difficulty now forced upon us. The Government set up a wages board; representatives of the A.S. R.S. on one side and on the other of the railway management, with an impartial chairman agreed to by both sides. The A.S.R.S. burst that board up after it bad been sitting for several days.

“The executive of the A.S.R.S. is sued the strike notices before half the evidence had been heard with regard to the claims-which they bad pnf forward. “It refused to accept the Court of Arbitration and Conciliation which, lias long been looked upon as the constitutional method of settling disputes.

“When arranging the details for another hoard, which at its own request was-intended to be set up, it suddenly broke off negotiations and announced that unless the Government at once increased wages all trains would stop at midnight on Monday. 23« t April. “It chose as tlip time for striking the dates arranged for the celebrations of welcome to the British Fleet thus seriously interfering with the great, occasion and disappointing many thousands of citizens, especially school children, who intended to be present. “By the strike being declared it has now become a question whether this country is to he governed by constitutional methods or by direct a cl ion. “I appeal to all citizens, especially the owners of motor cars and motor waggons, to assist the ment in carrying on the business of the country arid so minimise the loss and inconvenience which must result as the outcome of the unwise and precipitate actions of the leaders of the railwaymen, actuated no doubt, by influences behind them which do not appear on the sur-_ faee.” LIBERAL PARTY’S ATTITUDE. AGAINST LONGER HOURS AND WAGES CUTS. Wellington, April 22. Mr Wilford, Leader of the Opposition, in a statement issued to-day, says that the Liberal executive met and considered the railway position j soon after the deadlock on April 10, and has been in negotiation with the different parties to the dispute ever since. He believed up to yesterday that his efforts had not been fruitless and regrets the strike as the aftermath of every industrial upheaval is resentment, ilk-will and bitterness. “As to the attitude of the Liberal Party in reference to some of the outstanding matters of the dispute," lie said, “I shall state it here H e stand in favour of the 44-hour week, particularly in the case of railwaymen, whose hours are often irrbgular and whose responsibilities a re very great, and, having with my party voted against a reduction of the salaries of those in the public service receiving £320 a year and under, 1 unhesitatingly support that vole by backing its 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 “cut’ as (he Government has been able to make a big reduction in taxation.

“1 do not wish to go into the question of the cost of living further than to say that 1 believe, when (lie increased cost of rent and clothing is calculated to-day in conjunction with all the food groups, it will be found that the difference is nearer 7U Ilian fit) per cent. “Uur party does not support the strike method. The Prime Minister’s manifesto This morning carries no weight at all. i have his speeches since his return from England and find that when he wishes to advocate a reduction in taxation he tells us everything is well with the'country, and when he faces the question of increased wages to those who have a desperate struggle, to make ends meet he predicts disaster.” Air Wilford concludes by urging further negotiations.

LABOUR. PARTY URGES PARLLAALENT TO TAKE A HAND,

Air Holland has sent the-follow-ing wire on behalf of the Parliamentary Labour Party to ail non-La-bour members•; “The party is.firmly convinced that if Parliament had an opportunity of dealing with the matters in dispute a settlement would be speedily effected, and it earnestly invites you to support the request to the Prime Minister that the House he called together immediately.” Air Semple, strike organiser in the Otago district, say?:—• “Parliament has been closed for eight months. Surely the public must realise that the demand made that 1 ariiainent should be opened in order to give the people’s representatives an opportunity of dealing with the matters in dispute is a reasonable one.” AH’ 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,” he <added, “Parliament has been shut for eight months and members have been drawing pay all the time.” E.F.C.A. WILL NOT BE DRAGGED IN. A SHARP REPLY. A statement made by a member of the executive of the A.S.R.S. in addressing a meeting of railwaymen at Petone on Tuesday, that members of the E.F.C.A. would soon be with them, and that if they did not come in by their heads they would be dragged in by the shoulders, drew a sharp reply from the president and acting secretary of the Enginedrivers’, Firemen’s and Cleaners’ organisation, Air R. Carroll. “If the insinuation is that the A.S. R.S. thinks it is going to wreck our Association by such methods,” declared Mr Carroll, “I have yet to learn that they are likely to bludgeon us into any action of which we do not approve.”

HOW IT AFFECTS THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

Mr Charles Parker, Dominion president of the Dairy Farmers’ Union on being interviewed, said the railway strike was a. serious detriment to the dairy industry, which is already suffering through the price of butterfat falling to the lowest levels experienced since the pre-war times. Whatever the result of the present, dispute may be, he contends the dairy farmers cannot carry any heavier loads than they do already as produce is selling at below the cost of production. Tf the strike is long continued, the dairy farmers will be hard hit, he says as in many instances the milk must be wasted.

Mr Parker is asking each Provincial executive to hold urgent and emergency meetings to consider the situation arising from the strike, so that, l>y organisation, losses maybe minimised. He urges the dairy farmers to look to the Union and to offer it suggestions, so that it may deal with the situation from the dairy farmers’ viewpoint.

HANDLING FOXTON STEAMER CARGOES.

As the strike will affect the handling of cargoes by the s.s. Kennedy Mr -J. A. Nash. M.P., wired the Minister for Railways (Hon. J. G. Coates) on Tuesday, as under.: — “In the absence of chairman. Mr J. Linklater, M.P., will be glad to know whether Railway Department will allow Foxton Harbour Board handle cargo ex s.s. Kennedy and arrange motor facilities delivering goods. Matter important. Await reply.” -

Mr Nash received a reply from Mr Coates to the effort, that arrangements had been made to enable the Harbour Board to work the cargo of the vessel proriding the Board was prepared to take all responsibility.

DISTRICT TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS.

The Palmerston N. Borough Council, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, held a special meeting at Palmerston N. last night, to consider the inauguration of a transport system during the strike. The Mayor (Mr F. J. Nathan) presided over an attendance of forty commercial, industrial and motorlarry representatives and others.

The chairman stated their object was to organise motor transport during the strike, on the basis of normal rates, for the carriage of goods, between Wellington and Palmerston N., and also Wanganui, Hawke's Bay and Pahiatua. There had been fifty lorries represented at the meeting in the forenoon and already certain routes had been organised. The main idea was the establishment of. central depots. That in Palmerston N. would be the big new garage between King and Broad Streets. The chairman stressed the point that transport would be at consignor's risk, and, if not prepared to accept, it would have to be underwritten. '

Mi* J. A. Nash, M.P., explained the position from the Fox ton Harbour Board’s viewpoint. The s.s. Kennedy had arrived at the port and when the members arrived at the wharf the agents had the work of discharging her cargo (benzine, and general) Veil forward. With regard to storage accommodation the Board had its own shed and had made application for use of that owned by the railway department, when cleared. . Every assistance had been given by the stationmaster and the Board had so been enabled to complete all arrangements to carry on. There ware plenty of men av&ilafcle to work cargoes at Foxton if, through any cause, the watersiders were not prepared to carry on. Regarding transport, there were three 4-ton motor tracks available, freight to Palmerston North 25/- per ton with 20/ for back loads. Mr E. R. B. Holben stated that with the Kennedy and Echo available four trips weekly could be made from'Wellington to Foxton. ' Mr Young stated thaj, advice had been received that heavy traffic would not be allowed on the county roads after May Ist. The executive .had wired the local bodies to defer the embargo until conclusion of strike.

At Mr Nash’s suggestion it was decided to appoint a deputation to wait upon the local bodies, and the following were appointed. The chairman, Messrs H. L. Young, J. A. Nash, and E. R. B, Holben. In vanswer to: question the oiiair-

man stated that consignors must make their own individual arrangements re insurance; that a minimum weight of package would he determined by the executive; and that lorry owners would not charge more than the existing rate before the strike.

The chairman and Air Holben impressed upon the meeting the necessity of using water freight to relieve the road traffic. Bnsiness men and the public could mm- see the inestimable value of the port of Foxton to the Manawatu. It was a wonderful opportunity for the port, and for the people to show Wellington the extent of the goods traffic in this district. He appealed to the residents for co-operation, constructive criticism when and where necessary and practical help and advice.

TRAINS IN TARANAKI.

New Plymouth, April 23,

The mail train, left at the usual time this morning with 70 to 80 passengers going to Wanganui and will be returning this evening—the usual time-table. A local train is also running from Hawera to New Plymouth and hack, carrying passengers and any goods that may be loaded. Several cars also left with passengers ex the Rarawa from Auckland and others for southern destinations.

SERVICE AT NELSON

Nelson, Last Night,

A train came in from the country this morning, proceeding to Glenhope to-day, and will return this evening, proceeding back to Belgi’ove. Mr Lowry, the stationmaster in charge, who is not. a member of the Institute, is acting as guard and shunter. This train service is a great convenience to the community including three hundred school children.

SCRATCH CREWS AT WHANGAREI.

Whaugarei, Last Night. A scratch train with an ex-tablet porter as guard, left Whaugarei at 8.20 with mails and a small passenger list for Opua. Later it was reported to have reached its destination undisturbed. Otherwise essential services radiating from Whangarei are being conducted by motor vehicles. All the Hikurangi mines employing a large number have closed, owing to lack of rolling stock.

CONNECTION WITH AIARTON AND WANGANUI.

Wanganui, Last Night,

Nothing of moment in connection with the strike occurred to-day. A train ran to Marton and back in the morning. A train arrived from New Plymouth and one left from that town. The watersiders worked the steamers to-day and motor services ran without interruption.

WANGANUI TO NEW PLYMOUTH

' New Plymouth, Last Night. A daily service between New Plymouth and Wellington has been maintained since the strike began, first by motors and now by a train, and to-night the steamer Opihi took all the accumulation of heavy mails Lo Wellington. The Rarawa, which left to-night for Onehuuga, took mails from Taranaki and the south, and full ship of passengers. Next week the Rarawa will run a triweekly service between New Plymouth and Oneunga. One mail train daily is running between here and Wanganui, and a mixed train between New Plymouth and Hawera. Work at the port is held up owing to the absence of trucks, but perishable cargo is being landed and picked up by lorries.

NAPIER ENPREBS LEFT WELLINGTON THIS MORNING.

file Napier express, containing six carriages with mails and passengers, left Wellington this morning at 9.19 a.rn. and arrived at Palmerston North at 12.45 and left a lew minutes later' for Napier.