AUCKLAND TRAMWAYS,

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 49, 21 November 1907, Page 9

AUCKLAND TRAMWAYS,

EMPLOYEES' GRIEVANCES. APPEAL TO MINISTERS. (by TEI.EUIiAPH—SriiCUIi COUKESrONDENT.) Auckland, November 20. Tliero have boon further developments in connection with the Auckland'tramway men's grievances., Thoy still complain that thoy are suffering under a number, and to consider these special meetings were held yesterday forenoon nnd-eroning, for the night-and day shift men respectively. In the forenoon 78 men wore present, and in the evening 4'2— tho largest attendances at any meetings .of the Union since last November, when tho strike took place. Tho business considered included tho rccont dismissal of Conductor Holden, who was discharged, it is alleged, without any reasons being advanced. Jt was decided that a deputation of representative employees interview Mr. Walklate, manager of the company, and lay the grievances before him. Tho following resolution was also carried unanimously and ordered to be sent to tho Minister for Justico (the Hon. J. M'Gowan''This special meeting of tramway employees strongly protests against tho arbitrary action of t'ho Auckland Electric Tramways Company, Limited, in suspending and ultimately dismissing Conductor Holden immediately after ho had given evidence regarding the unreliability of tho' present systom of brakes on the company's cars at tne late inquest, seeing that Holden attended tho inquiry under a subpoena issued by tho coroner, and that the utter unreliability of the brakes at present in uso on the cars' lis common knowledge to tho majority of the omployees of the company. This meeting urges the Minister for Justico to canse an inquiry to bo made into the circumstances of Holdon's dismissalj with a view to asking tho company to show cause why it shall not be cited for a contempt of court." A letter was read from tho Minister in reference to liolden's' dismissal, stating that the Union's representations, with others, giving reasons for the passing of tho Tramways Bill, had been received. A copy of the Union's letter had also been forwarded to tho Hon.- J, A. Millar, as head of tho Labour Department.' The secretary of tho Union (Mr. Arthur Rossor), in roply to tho Minister's letter, telegraphed, under instructions, as follows:—

" Your reply re Holden's ease received. What about inquiry as to his discharge after giving ovidonco.' Tramway nion incensed," 1 In' reply, the Hon. J. A. Millar telegraphed yesterday ns follows:— "To Mr. Rosser. Your tclogram'Uo the Hoii;.' Mr.' M'Goivan has .been'referred to me. Inspector at Auckland has received instructions to make full inquiry and report to me. On receipt of samo I will seo tfhat can be done," ■