RAILWAY STOPPAGE CALLED OFF

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29368, 22 November 1960, Page 16

RAILWAY STOPPAGE CALLED OFF

Decision After Meeting With Mr Nash

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, November 21.

The threatened rail stoppage in the Wellington area was called off tonight after a meeting late this afternoon between the Prime Minister (Mr Nash) and the grand council of the New Zealand Engine-drivers’, Firemen’s and Cleaners’ Association.

After a two-hour meeting with Mr Nash the council met again and Shortly before 9 p.m. advised the General Manager of Railways (Mr A. T. Gandell) that the instructions to stop work had been withdrawn. No terms for the settlejment of the dispute were announced tonight.

The council decided earlier today that all engine-drivers, firemen and cleaners in the Wellington area would stop work at midnight tonight, and in the Palmerston North and Taihape area from tomorrow night. The decision to stop work was the result of dissatisfaction with wage increases granted by the Government Railways Industrial Tribunal.

The meeting with Mr Nash this afternoon was held at the council's request. With Mr Nash at the meeting were the Minister of Railways (Mr Moohan), the Minister of Finance .(Mr Nordmeyer), and Mr Gandell. The Prime Minister’s press officer (Mr R. E. Coury), said he did not know if the Government had made any proposals to the council.

Mr Nash talked with the coun-

cil for two hours. The talks ended at 6.10 p.m. The national secretary of the E.F.C.A. (Mr C. C. Couchman) would not comment on the meeting with Mr Nash.

Mr Nash is understood to have told the council that the Government would not consider representations from it on the wage dispute till the strike threat was dropped.

In a statement earlier today, Mr Nash said the Government would give early consideration to any representations by the council “which has always abided by lawful procedure for settling local disputes.”

“The Government’s attitude of abiding by the principles of the tribunals has always been clear and unequivocal. All unionists know that there are ample procedures for settling disputes and for the review of specific grievances,” Mr Nash raid.

Mr Nash left by car to address an election meeting-in Levin soon after his meeting with the council, and was advised of the council’s decision to call off the strike as he was speaking at the meeting. “It is good that they decided the stoppage will not take place,” said Mr Nash. “We must stick to the rules in connexion with arbitration. I am very glad indeed that it is their own decision.” Mr Moohari was speaking at an election meeting at Waterloo when he was told of the decision.