FRANKTON CENTRE.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 95, 22 April 1924, Page 8

FRANKTON CENTRE.

THE GREAT YARDS SILENT. RAILWAYMEN'S CONFIDENT VIEW. SOLID SUPPORT FROM OUTSIDE. The scene at Frankton Junction this morning suggested a heart in suspense. The great yards knew no movement, except that a big crowd pf workers stood awaiting the opening of the door of tha railway social hall, where the situatioi. was to be discussed. It was a quiet and smiling body of men. Some of the leaders discussed the situation in low and serious tones preliminary to the discussion which was to ensue at the meeting. It was apparent that the strikers are most solid in their attitude, and confident of solid support outside. From the consensus of gathered opinion, it appeared that the railwaymen look forward to a struggle that will only be ended on their side by the abolition of the Massey Government. What is behind their belief is not made public, but they declare that such a situation will arise as will precipitate a general inaction. The issue of next election, they say, will be the strike—and when the great public goes to the poll it will indicate its opinion. It will indicate whether for or against the railwaymen, and in SO doing it will declare for or against the administration. Fight to a Finish. A prominent man in the Railway Officers' Institute this morning declared that so far as the running of the trains after midday was concerned things were in the air. The express which left Wellington at 8.45 last night would reach Auckland, as would all trains that left the point of departure prior to midnight. "After that, it all depends," he Said. He did not think that the Government would call upon the first division. It would not be policy. The Government knew that by calling upon these officers trouble must, eventually arise, involving the Railway Officers' Institute in the dispute. On the other hand the A.S.R.S. would not, he thought, call upon the Railway Officers' Institute men to come out, but would let the Government cast down the glove by calling on the Railway Officers' Institute to supersede the strikers in their work. In the opinion of this officer it must be a fight to a finish between the Government and the belligerent union. "Although anything may happen," he added. Loco. Men's View. It is stated that inquiries have been made by the Government as to whether any of the men of the locomotive branch were prepared to take on traffic duties. This question, it is understood, has been put tp the representatives of the Enginedrivers, Firemen's and Cleaners' Union at all centres. The reply from Frankton, from what can be gathered, was that if the authorities sought to press this invitation further the probability would be that the Government would draw the loco, men into the trouble alsp.. At a meeting nf the lecp. men last night a resplutipn was carried declaring that if other than authorised guards were allowed to run trains the loco. men would refuse to drive them. Men in Signal Boxes. The second express passed through Frankton. at 11.30 a.m., and was dealt with by the usual full staff, which had remained on duty for the occasion. Much admiration is expressed for the signalmen, who stuck to their bpxes until the last mement necessary in the circumstances. The signalman's lpve for his box is proverbial. He can't get eneugh pil and pplish in his spare time with which to make smooth and bright-his levers and gear. Looking forward on this occasion tp the probability of a long strike, each signalman has polished up his handles and oiled each inch of his machinery to gave it from rust until the day on which he fondly imagines he will return to his job. There were about 200 men this morning at the meeting, lasting for pver twp hours.