THE TRAMWAY TROUBLE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16357, 31 October 1918, Page 6

THE TRAMWAY TROUBLE.

UNION SEEKS CONFERENCE. BOARD INSISTS ON NORMAL SERVICE. For the past day or so the go-slow policy of the tramway men has been less pronounced, and yesterday there was a marked improvement on some of the lines, ttiough even yet the ordinary time-table is lar from being complied with as in normal times. Two meetings of the employees were held yesterday, both being very well attended. The case of the seven dismissed men was discussed at length, and it was unanimously io make every effort to secure their reinstatement. 'lhe question of working overtime in the future was discussed, and it was resolved that the matter be dealt with at a special meeting. It was decided that the secretary be instructed to notify the public through the newspapers that the management are taking cars off certain roads, thereby reducing the service, for whieii action the Union disclaims responsibility, it was further resolved to hold a public meeting on Sunday for the purposo of explaining the men's position to the general public. OFFER FROM THE UNION. The following letter was sent yesterday by the secretary of the Tramway Union to the General Manager of the Tramway Board "Sir, —J have been directed to submit the following proposals to the Christchurch Tramway Board, in view of the union's desiro to effect a settlement of the present dispute, and thus enable the public to reap the; full benefit from tne tramway service in the immediato future: — "(1) That the men who have been dismissed for obeying the Union's do- . cision be reinstated. "(2) That a conference be hold immediately between three representatives from each side, under the Conciliation Commissioner (Mr W. H. Haggcr). "(3) If the Board will agree to the foregoing, the Union agrees to immediately resume tho normal running of the service, pending the result of the conference." In reply to this letter, the general manager has written, stating that the Board cannot entertain the proposals of the Union, but that any proposals for a conferenco will be considered when the normal running of cars is resumed. The reply reached the secretary too lato for discussion at the second mooting of the men yesterday, but will be considered at the special meeting previously referred to. The following motion was passed at a meeting of the Christchurch Tramway Board yesterday:—"That this committee of the whole Board places on record its appreciation of the manner in which Mr Thompson, the general manager, has carried out his duties, and given effect to the decisions of the Board during the present industrial disturbance, in face of the personal abuse directed towards him through tho columns of the public Press, while fulfilling the instructions of the Board." At the meeting of the Woolston Borough Council last night, Councillor D. Mcßae moved that the Hon. J. Barr be written to, asking him to use his best endeavours to bring about a conference with the tramway employees, and also that a return be published, showing the whole of the salaries and wages paid to officers and men employed bv the Board. This was carried by tne Council. THE DUNEDTN DISPUTE. (special to "the press.") DUNEDIN, October 30. As a result of the recent tramway dispute, an appeal has been lodged by John Boas;, engine-driver, in the employ of the Dunedin and Roslyn Tramway Company, for hearing before the Tramway Appeal Board, against his dismissal hy the company on the ground that the reason given for it was not a valid one.