AUCKLAND TRAMWAY STRIKE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9095, 22 May 1908, Page 5

AUCKLAND TRAMWAY STRIKE.

BY TEIiSfIKAPH —P3ESB ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, May 21. 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 tha Company had the privilege of discharging a man without any explanation so long as a week's notice was given. Herdson was dismissed and given a week's wages in lieu of notice. This afternoon a rrass 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 p'ory. He was pleased to say that (he firemen at the power house had joined in the strike. They had come out in sympathy with the motorrnen 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 sixty members of the Union were present. An amendment had been proposed that a truce be called til' 2 o'clock, but this was over-ruled by 48 to After the flag had been put up denoting: the decision to strike, Mr Bourne, M.P., had come to him and said he would like to sea the matter settled. He (Mr Rosser), had replied that they were willing for a settlement but it must be brought about honourably. Mr Baume had suggested a conference with the general manager, arid the speaker had replied that, the general manager should cornp to them. Up to a late hour to-night there were no signs of a settlement of the tramway tiouble. Mr Rosser and other union secretaries had a conversation with the Mayor to-night, and suggestions were made which will be laid before a meeting of men to-ir.cr-row. SYMPATHY FROM WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, May 21. The Wellington Trades and Labour Council passed a resolution tonight sympathising with the Auckland strikers.