THREATENED STRIKE.

Wairarapa Age, 24 March 1920, Page 5

THREATENED STRIKE.

The Railway Service.

A MANDATE ISSUED.

'By Telegraph—Press Association.) ' WELLINGTON. Last Night.

It is now stated officially that the members of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants are ballotting on the question of a strike. After the recent meeting of the executive and the officers of tho A.S.R.S,, it was said that a decision had been reached, but that no move would be made until they had interviewed the Minister of Railways (Mr. Masscy) and ascertained what was the attitude of the Government regarding tho Railway Commission's report. Mr, Massey's stay in the hospital is proving more lengthy than was anticipated, and the ballot is proceeding. The members of the A.S.R.S. are being asked to vote on the issues: (1) Acceptance of of the rates of pay proposed by the Railway Commission; or (2) a strike in support of the full demands of the Association. The branches are to make their returns to the executive not later than April 17. If the decision is in favour of a strike, the fixing, of tho date will be in the hands of the executive. In the meantime, the excutivs will interview Mr. Masscy, and ask for .a definite statement of the Government's intentions. Mr. M. J. Mack, secretary of the A.S.R.S., stated to-day that the executive realised that Mr. Massey could not discuss matters with them during his stay in hospital. They understood, also, that the recommendations of the Railway Commission were not necessarily the decision of tho Government. But the Tailwaymen were not prepared to let the grass , grow under their feet. Long negotiation and much delay tad taken place already, and members of tho servico considered that the time had come for a settlement of their claims. The executive would inter- ' view Mr. Massey as early as possible. "—J""