Dunedin Express Gets Away

Shannon News, 23 April 1924, Page 4

Dunedin Express Gets Away

GhSeERED OUT BY PASSENGERS AND PUBLIC. SKELETON SERVICE IN THE SOUTH CHRISTCHURCH, April 22. The express lor Dun'ediii which: usually departs at 8.50 got away at 10 o’clock. A ticket inspector went as guard and a reserve driver, signal inspector and traffic inspector travelled in the cab of the locomotive. The train consisted, of eighteen passenger cars and two vans and carried fully 600 passengers. As it steamed out of the station, there were loud cheers from, the passengers and a large crowd on the platform. 1 One signalman ait Colombo street crossing refused to go on strike and signalled the train out. The only other trains which departed from Christchurch this morning were on the Lyttelton line, where a skeleton service is being run.

Trains from Springfield and Ashburton arrived in Christchurch behind schedule time. The officials are endeavouring to get some trains a Way. this afternoon. The service to Lyttelton has been maintained and no difficulty was experienced with the ferry train. TRAIN LEAVES NEW PLYMOUTHMOTOR CARS BRING MANY PASSENGERS SOUTH. NEW PLYMOUTH', April 22.

A large number of motor cars left this morning carrying passengers lor Southeni destinations and at 11.30 the rftail train left for Wanganui with about 100 passengers. A little work is being done oil the wharf loading trucks which happened ao be there. ON THE WEST COAST. MOTOR TRAFFIC FILLS THE BREACH. HOKITIKA, April 22. A large number of passengers gathered at the railway station this morning including members tof the Christchurch Bible Class, who had been on a camping tour at Hokitika. There was much disgust and disappointment when they found the trains would not run. Offers of volunteer help were declined by the authorities. Newman’s mlotors at once put on cars for all localities served by the trains, and several parties left .for Greymauth and a.large bus also carrying a letter mail, left for Christchurch at 9 a.m. Owing to strike Instructions not reaching Rbss tho inward train arrived at. the .usual hour, but returned shortly after to the Home station. A large fleet of motor cars is being organised for the Hokitika races.

ALL OUT AT PICTON. BLENHEIM, April 22. The railway strike materialised this morning’ with the non-arrival of the usual morning train from Picton and Ward. Sixty-three men . are out on the Picton-Wharanui section. Ninety per cent, of the local men voted for the strike. THE MEN ENGAGED. The number of men throughout the Dominion w;h|o‘ are participating ‘in the hold-up totals approximately 11,000. Members of the E.F. and C.A. number in the vicinity of 2000 and the First Division (including the clerical

staff) about 3000, this making 11.000 men on strike and 5666 remaining on duty. STRIKERS. Porters Shunters Guards ' Signalmen Train Examiners Storemen Shed hands NON-STRIKERS. Engine Drivers Firemen and cleaners Clerks Stationmasters Goods and coaching foremen.

PUBLIC PROPERTY WILL BE PROTECTED. MARION, April 22. The railway strikers have given an assurance that they will in every why protect public property during the strike. LIBERAL COMMENT. SUPPORTS THE RATI AVAYjVIEN BUT NOT THE STRIKE. WELLINGTON, April 22. Mr Wilford, Leader of the Opposition, in a statement issued to-day, says the Liberal Executive met and considered the railway position soon after the deadlock on the 10th ffist., and has been negotiating with different parties to the dispute ever since. He believed that, up to yesterday, his efforts had not been fruitless and regrets the strike as the aftermath of every industrial upheaval is resentment, illwill and bitterness. “As to the attitude of the Liberal Party in reference to sonic of the outstanding matters Off the dispute, I will state it here: We stand in favour of a 44 hours’ week, particularly in the case of railwaymen whose hours are often irregular and whose responsibilities are very great, and having, with my party, voted against a reduction of the salaries of those in public services receiving £320 a year and under, I unhesitatingly support that, vote by backing tjhe rqSitjoraitilon, as in our opinion none receiving a salary of £320 a year and under should have been penalised. This'view has been strengthened since the cut as ernment has been able, to make a big reduction in taxation. I cannot go into the question of the "cost of living further than to. say that I believe, when the increased' cost of rent and clothing i,s calculated to-day in conjunction ail food groups, it will be found that-the difference is nearer 70 than 60 per cent. Our party does not support the strike method.

“The Prime Minister’s manifesto this morning carries no'weight at all. 1 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 laces the question of increased wages to those who have a , desperate; struggle to make ends meet, he predicts disaster.”

Mr Wilford concludes by urging further negotiations. 5 THE EFFECT AT FOXTON. MOTOR TRANSPORT ARRANGED. FOXTON, April 22. The Foxton-Palmerstion train did not run this morning. Passengers proceeded to their destinations by inotor ears. A passenger and goods motor service is now established between Foxt.ou and Palmerston, which will meet the situation. The goods shed is filled but there is nothing perishable and private delivery is being arranged. The strike locally affects less than 20 men.