THE RAILWAY TROUBLE

Taranaki Daily News, 24 March 1920, Page 4

THE RAILWAY TROUBLE

A BALLOT ON STRIKE ISSUE' RETURNS BY APRIL 11 INTERVIEW WITH PREMIER IE THE MEANTIME, By Teleerapli.—rress Association. Wellington, Last Night. It is now stated officially that the members of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants are balloting on the question of a strike. After the recent, meeting of the exceutive, the officers of the A.S.R.S. said that h decision had been reached, but that no move would be made until they had interviewed the Minister of ways (Mr. Massey) and what was the attitude of the Government regarding the Railway Commission's report, but Mr. Massey'is stay in hospital is providing more lengthy than was anticipated, and a ballot ia proceedingThe members of the A.S.R.S. are being asked to vote on .the issueß—(l.) The acceptance of the rates of pay proposed by the Railway Commiision; or (2.) A strike in support of the full demands of the Association. The branches are to make their return.-, to the executive not later than April 17th. If the decision ia in favor of a strike, the fixing of the date will be in the hands of the executive. In the meantime, the executive will interview Mr. Massey and Tisk for a definite statement of the Government's intentions. Mr. M. ,T. Mack, secretary of the A S'R.S., stated to-day that the executive realised Mr. Massey could not discuss matters with them during his stay in hospital. They understood, also, that recommendations: of the Railway Commission were not necessarily the decision of the Government, but the railwfivmen were not prepared to let the grass grow under their feet. Long negotiation and much delay had taken place already and members of the service considered that the time had come for a settlement of their claims. The executive would interview Mr. Massey as early as possible.