GAS STRIKE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 302, 21 December 1943, Page 4

GAS STRIKE

REJECTED , DEMANDS BY MEN GOVERNMENT FIRM CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS The economic and social life of Auckland is largeW paralysed by the gas works strike which was continued to-day. There seems slight prospect of an early settlement. The gas holders were empty before 8 o'clock this morning, and hundreds of citizens had to use their fireplaces to prepare the morning meal. Industrial concerns using gas for production purposes have been informed by the management of the company that no supply will be available to them this week. The Chief "Warden, Mr. Allum, has caliecl a meeting of E.P.S. wardens for this afternoon to discuss plans for cooking for the people. The Gas Company, instructed by the local officer in charge of the Labour Department, is calling for volunteers to man the works. Alternative Proposals The men held a meeting at the works this morning, and it lasted for three hours. At its conclusion the men walked out of the yard where they had discussed the position, taking with them their surplus clothes and tools. They had decided to continue the strike, and shortly afterwards the works gates were closed.

Alternative proposals were framed at the meeting. One was that there should be an all-round wages increase of threepence an hour. The other was that the gas works should be taken over by the Government and conducted on the co-operative principle. These proposals were conveyed to the Government by the Conciliation Commissioner, Mr. C. L. Hunter. The reply given to the men was that the Government would not consider the proposals, and they were advised to return to work. The Government's attitude was discussed by the men, and they decided to remain on strike. Call for Volunteers The manager of the Auckland Gas Company, Mr. R. Worley, said this afternoon that he had been instructed by the officer in charge of the Labour Department in Auckland to call immediately for volunteers to man the works. "The company requires at least 300 men," he said, "including general labourers, firemen, stokers, carpenters, fitters, experienced meter readers and others. "If we can get'even 50 men to-day there will be some prospect of householders getting some gas for Christmas. Industry, however, will not be in the same position. There is no prospect of gas for industrial concerns being produced this week," he added emphatically.