AUCKLAND STRIKE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9152, 22 May 1908, Page 5

AUCKLAND STRIKE.

Per Press Association. Auckland, May 21. This afternoon a mass meeting of members of the Union was held, Mr Rosser, the Union Secretary, said that the Union and the men associated with it had that day covered themselves with glory. He was pleased to say that the firemen at the power-house had joined in the strike. They had come out in sympathy with the motor-men and conductors. Half of them were not members of the Union. “He said he had had a conference with a leading townsman, and he had been informed by that gentleman that if a truce was declared he thought they would get everything asked for. _ A meeting was then held, at which over 60 members of the Union were present. An amendment had been proposed that a truce be called till 2 o’clock, but this was overruled by 48 to 3. After the flag denoting the decision to strike had been put up Mr Baume M.P., bad come to him, and said he would like to see the matter settled. He (Mr Rosser) had replied that they were willing for a settlement, hut it must he brought about honourably. Mr Baume had suggested a conference with the general manager, and the speaker had replied that the general manager should come to them.

Up to a late hour to-night, there were no signs of a settlement of the tramway trouble. Mr Rosser and other Union secretaries had a conference with the Mayor to-night, and suggestions were made, which will be laid before the meeting of the men to-morrow.

On being asked to-night what steps the Company proposed to take in regard to the strike the general manager (Mr Walblate) said : “It is difficult to say until we see what transpires to-morrow. ” Beyond that he would make no statement. It is claimed by the company that their position is unassailable, in so far as the discharge of the conductor (Herdson) is concerned. It is stated that under the agreement after the dispute with the men last year "no summary dismissal could take place except a good reason were given by the company; but the company had the privilege of discharging a man without an explanation so long as a week's notice was given. Herdson was dismissed and given a week’s wages in lieu of notice. One motormau who delayed a little in stepping off his car was loudly assailed with cries of “Come; off blackleg,” “Have some pluck,” but he soon joined his comrades and was accorded a cheer by the crowd. There had been distributed tickets bearing the words “We Walk Late” (being a play upon - on the name of the Tramway Company’s manager, Mr Walklate). These were worn by a good, many in the crowd, and lent some humour to the occasion, which from present appearances looks very serious from the public point of view. Wellington,“May 21.

The Wellintgou Trades and Labour Council passed a resolution to-night sympathising with the Auckland strikers.

Gisborne, May 22,

Mr Pryor, the New Zealand Secretary to the Employers’ Federation, telegraphed this_ morning that a number of the JUabour Federation view with apprehension the continued prevalance of strikes which are a serious menace to the Act, and he strongly urges immediate full inquiry into the Auckland tramways trouble and the promptest possible action if an offence or offences] are disclosed.