WELLINGTON TRAMWAYS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16325, 24 September 1918, Page 7

WELLINGTON TRAMWAYS.

"GO SLOW" TACTICS OF THE MEN. INCONVENIENCE TO PUBLIC. (srmxL to "the nuas.") "WELLINGTON, Soptember 23. The Tramway mon are faithfully carrying out the policy that has been mapped out for them—that of "striking on tie job." The drivers are going slow to such an extent that their conduct is a matter of common talk among people who have seen the scheme at work. There are many reports also that on • Saturday afternoon, and to-day, at wst some of tho conductors simply would not collect tho faros, allowing half of the people in crowded cars to * travel free. In other cases they would not domand the full fare, but charged everybody a penny. If this was intended to gain the sympathy of tho public it was ill-advised, for the people aro onraged against the men who are causing them so much inconvenience. It ia antlerstood that the City Council authorities intend to take action of some kind immediately, and this may !». expected to end tho strike, or make it very much worse. But for tho backing of the Transport WorkersFederation and the coal miners, the tramwaymen would not now be so bold. (pnESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, Septomber 23. Saturday's "go-alow'' tactics on the tram nays were continued in the evening, huge carloads proceeding at snail's pace, causing great - inconvenience. The cars' yesterday presented a similar general air of loisurely activity, but tho public, apparently anticipating this state "of affairs, did not venture out in such numbers as usual. It is understood that if the men pursue the same tactics to-day, stops will be taken to counter move in a manner that may provo disadvantageous to those detected deliberately going slow. LEGAL ACTION PROBABLE. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TKLERRAV.) WELLINGTON, Septembor 23. The legal aspect of the attitude of the tramwaymen has become more definite in view of tho latest tactics, of the men. The "go slow" policy is an offence under the war regulations if done deliberately. A Labour Department official told a reporter that it had been ruled some time ago with reference to tho coal miners that to "go bIow" is practically the same as knocking off work. It was just a question of degree. Jt is understood that legal action mw be taken within a day or two. The Mayor stated to-day that the amount of money the men wanted on top of what they now get was £12,000 annually. The gross amounts paid in wages since 1913-14 represented ari increase of 32 per cent, for the war period. If the £12.000 the men were demanding were added to the total paid in tramway wages for the last financial year, the bill for the citv would be £109,540. This amount could not be paid without making a serious roll on the public purse through fares.