BRITISH RAILWAYS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 November 1919, Page 5

BRITISH RAILWAYS.

GOVERNMENT'S OFFER'TO WR& COMPROMISE ON NATIGSALi " ISATION. » • By Telecrapb.—Press Asan^-Cotirtlftt-" London, Nor. 16."'' Addressing the rallwaymen at Brlrtol: Mr. Thomas, M.P., disclosed the Goy-' ernment's terms as a compromise for the men's demands for nationalisation. - It was intended to constitute a board of five general managers and five rmresentatives of the railway invested with plenary powers over wfcges and conditions. Whenever a deadlock occurred the dispute would bo referred to a temporary boa: on which the?general managers, the unions and the public would be equally represented. It was also intended to set up local« bodies on which managers" and men' Would he equally represented to deal with local grievances and other matter*. Also three representatives of the union*, would join thq existing railway commit-: tec of general managers, thereby «*•■ Bisting in the administration of the railways with practical knowledge and experience. ■ 1 *>Mf|P l t The terms would not affect "the men's right to strike, which Mr. Thomi* declared would never be given up. Abo the standardisation of wages would be arranged with the Government before the new machinery was constituted. Mr. Thomas contrasted the Governments offer of a share in the management of the railways with hia pleadings to the companies i, few years ago for '• recognition of the union. He urged the men to accept the offer; he believ»d the change would improve the men's conditions and ensure the smooth working of the railway systems.—Aub. and NJZ. Cable Assn.