THE RAILWAY DIFFICULTY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10279, 14 May 1919, Page 4

THE RAILWAY DIFFICULTY

From the discussion; at conference between the ; Acbipg-Prime Minister and the representatives of the? Locomotive Engineers', Firemen, and Cleaners' Association, one thing is evident: the difficulty so long standing has come to a deadlock. To get over this deadlock, the representatives of the men have made a definite proposal. The president asked for the appointment of a "conciliator" who would ! acceptable-.to ~ihe~irneii-, l. adding-<the . names of two, either of whom would ho acceptable. These are Mr Justice Sim and Mr Justice Stringer, both of whom are well known for their work in the Arbitration Court. The secretary added that his "organisation was quite prepared to accept the decision of a conciliator, provided the agreement was. arrived at around the conference tabic" In answer to the. Acting-Prime Minister, whoasked for a clear definition-of tho suggestion, he said: "It is a conciliation table, and if each side accepts a certain thiDg we axe prepared to accept that." It is. therefore, a proposal for a round-table conference of the parties under the presidency of a conciliator, either Mr Justice Sim or Mr Justice Stringer. It is fair because it brings both parties face to face in the open —all round tables are open—free to thresh out all their points of difference'' before "n president absolutely unbiased, trained to the consideration and conduct of disputes and. of proved abilitv. And the fairness is completed by the promise to abide by whatever decision is arrived at at tho round table under tho circumstances. It is a proposal for a fair discussion on tho merits with a promise of finality. The good faith of both sides is evident, as the men havo given their promise of finality and the Acting-Primo Minister has promised an early answer. We trust the answer will bo favourable, because (1) tno proposal is fair, and (2) the principle of conciliation is at the present time badly in want of a good precedent. We refrain from discussing the merits of tho case between the parties. Whatever they may be, thecourso proposed will ensure justico and a way out.