RAILWAY OFFICERS' INSTITUTE.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16822, 30 April 1920, Page 6

RAILWAY OFFICERS' INSTITUTE.

QUESTION OF SECOND DIVISION WORK. At a larcelv-attcnded and enthusiastic meeting of the North Canterbury branch of the Railway Officers' Institute the following resolution was passed :—"That this branch of the NewZealand Railway Officers' Institute pledges itself to support the executive in any action taken to jesist members being called upon to do Second Division work either voluntarily or by coercion." AUCKLAND BRANCH MILITANT. (PKESS ASSOCIATION TELFGRAM.) AUCKLAND, April 29. A ballot will bo held to-morrow by the Auckland branch of the Railway Officers' Institute to decide whether thev should strike in sympathy with tho other railway unions. The resolution was the outcome of two lengthy meetings held to-day. A prominent official expressed tho opinion that there would bo a largo majority in favour of a strike, as the officers are strongly in support of the present strikers, and did not wish to be regarded as "blacklegs." The branch passed a resolution expressing its willingness to handle perishable poods now on hand which were consigned before the strike, and also decided to do any work that might he required in connexion with the tour of the Prince of "Wales. WELLINGTON BRANCH'S ATTITUDE. (press association telegram.)

WELLINGTON, April 29. Four hundred members of the Wellington branch of the Railway Officers' Institute unanimously carried the following resolutions: — (1) That this meeting affirms its absolute confidence in the sub-committee in any action they may take in the settlement of the present dispute; (2) this meeting expresses the wish tliat all Institute members will refrain from performing any strictly Second Division duties; (3) in the event of the Minister's reply to to-night's representations being unsatisfactory, the question of taking extreme measures be considered at the special general meeting called for 1 p.m. to-morrow; (4) in the event of trains being worked with free labour, this meeting considers that no assistance should be given by members of the Institute.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) DUNEDIN, Anri! 23. A telegram has been rorcived from Mr_R. W. McVil'y (General Manager of Railways) stating that no instruction has been issued comnelling the performance of Second Division work by members of the Institute. CONTROL OF PRICES. WARNING FROM BOARD OP TRADE. (PRESS ASSOfTATinv TKT,KfJHAM.) WELLINGTON, April 29. The Board of Trade has instructed the anti-profiteering tribunals in the main centres to take steps to inform traders that during the strike they will consider any increase in prices over those ruling on April 26th. without the consent of the Board or Tribunal, as an infringement of the Board of Trade Act. Where the price is raised without the consent of the Board, prosecutions will follow.

The Bnard recognises that during the crisis extra charges for transport may he made, and that these must be borne by the consumer. The Board will, in such cases, consent to increases commensurate with the increased cost of transport. A suggestion also is made by the Board that the shortages may necessitate some system of rationing. The Price Investigation Tribunal is in receipt of advice from the Board of Trade to the cffoct that during the period of the strike, anv increase in the price of commodities above those ruling on the 26th inst. will not be countenanced without the consent of the ooard. CONSTERNATION AT ROTORTJA. (SPECIAL TO "THE PRESS.") ROTORUA, Apri] 29. The railway strike has caused consternation at Rotorua. Six thousand Maoris and two thousand Europeans are j stranded here. The railway station lias been besieged by crowds endeavour- J ing to get back to their homes. Many aro at the end of their financial resources, as they had not anticipated such a lightning strike. Sir William Herries is remaining here to look after the interest of the Maoris. The Hon. J. G. Coates and General Richardson havo left for Wellington in motor-cars. Sir Joseph Ward, who has to catch his steamer for England, and Lady Ward, have also left by car. There is a shortage of coal and flour, [ arid Rotorua may have to be rationed. PICKETING AT NAPIER. . (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) NAPIER. April 29. The members of the local Branch of the A.S.R.S. came out this morning. A mass meeting of members at 8 o'clock unanimously decided to support the executive's decision. Pickets were selected from the more staid section of the men. It is stated that the yards and workshops are being watched by pickets. Their instructions are to uso nothing but persuasion in stopping any would-be strike-breakers. WHANGAREI MEN TO CEASE WORK. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WHANGAREI, April 29. At a meeting of the Whangarei branch of the A.S.R.S., held this afternoon, it was decided to cease work on the Whangarei section of railways at midnight. The local post office is arranging a motor mail service, as far as possible. A.S.R.S. BALLOT. OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. Tho following telegram from the Dominion president and secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Ser- i vants was received by the South Island branches of that organisation yesterday morning:— Ballot overwhelming in favour of a strike. All North Island members will cease work forthwith. For tho present the strike will be confined to tho North Island, South Island men therefore will continue at work until further instructed. =

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