STOPPED RUNNING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 129, 22 May 1908, Page 2

STOPPED RUNNING.

TUB AUCKLAND TRAMS. TDK MUX OX STRIKE. KXOLTKIIEST IX XIIE TOWN. Per Press Association. Auckland, Thursday. Punctually at twelve noon a red flag was hung out near the tramway ter-,i minus at Queen street wharf. A few cars were then at the terminus. lie conductors nnd lnotorinen stepped oil, handing their controller handles to olliccrs of tile Tram Company, As other cars arrived the lnotormen and conductors adopted the same course, while the police took the names of the men, probably with a view to prosecution for a breaeli of the city by-laws in leaving the cars and loitering in the streets.

The street was speedily filled with cars and the side-walks were crowded with spectators, but there was no public demonstration, beyond a little hooting of the police and cheering of the men as they left the cars.

The inspectors took charge of the ears and drove them empty to the barns.

The company's employees at the power-house remained oil duty to permit this to be. done; after which it is understood they also will come out. Soon after one o'clock the whole of the ears had been left at the terminus, and the Tramways Company was making no attempt to continue the service. They despatched the cars in batches to the Imriis. Qticcn street remained full of excited spectators up to two o'clock, hut tl)* absonrc of.cars took away onn-li of Unspectacular effect, and with a very ,strong (one of police in evidence everything passed off quietly.

THE COMPANY'S POSITION. MEETING OF THE MEN. "COVERED WITH GLORY."

Auckland, Lust Night. It is claimed by the company that their position is unassailable in so far as the discharge of the conductor Hd'dson 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 (thej, company had the privilege of discharging a man without any explanation so long as a week's notice was given, llcrdson was dismissed and given a week's wages in lieu of notice.

This afternoon a mass meeting of members of the union was held. Mr. Rosier, the union secretary, said that the union anil the men associated with it had that day covered themselves with glory, lie was pleased to say that the iireiucn at the power-hOuse lnijl joined in the strike. They had come out in sympathy with the motormen and conductors, Hull' 0 f them were not members of the union. lie said he had had a conference with ii leading townsman, and he had been informed by that gentleman that if a truce were declared he thought they would get everything asked for. A meeting was then held at'which CO members of the union were present. An amendment had been proposed that a truce be called till two o'clock, but this was over-ruled by 48 to 3. After the flag (denoting the decision to strike) bad been put up, Mr. Baunio, 51.P., had come to him and said lie would like to See. the matter .settled. lie (Mr. llosser) had replied that they were willing for a settlement, but it must lie brought about lionorablj. Mr. Haume had suggested a conference with the general manager, and the speaker had replied that the general manager should come to tlienji

THE COMPANY'S INTENTIONS, Auckland, Last Night. On being asked to-night w'liat steps the company proposed to take in regard to the -strike, the general manager (Mr. Walklate) said: <\lt is dillicnlt to sav until wc» svp wluit transpires to-morrow.'" Iteyond that lie would make 110 statement.

NO SIGNS OF SETTLEMENT. Auckland, Last Nig'lit. 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 men to-morrow.

WELLINGTON SYMPATHY. Wellington, Last Night. The Wellington Trades and Labor Council passed a resolution to-night sympathising with the Auckland strikers,