TELEGRAPH MESSENGERS

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 284, 25 August 1908, Page 5

TELEGRAPH MESSENGERS

A THREATENED STRIKE. QUESTION OF A BONUS. The lads in khaki on whom depends the prompt delivery of telegrams in tho city have caught tho strike fever, having already threatened to hamper the usual smooth running of the Department's operations in Wellington. Tho trouble is alleged to concern the non-payment of a monthly bonus which the boys, prior to April last, had received.

One indignant little fellow., who talked as volubly as a Labour leador, when questioned concerning tlio trpuble, stated that prior to April last he, with others, were in -receipt of £1 per month bonus, in addition to £2 16s. Bd. wages, but that bonus— said to have been offered the boys during a period when they were very scarce —had been stopped sinco that month, for what reason ho did not know, and in consequence there had been a growing discontent among tlio messenger staif. They were not all on tho £2 16s. Sd. mark—that was a matter conccrning length of service, but as a rule boys received a rise of 2s. 6d. a year, but he had received tlio bonus mentioned since he had been connectcd with tho service.

The trouble was laid before the Secretary (Mr. D. Robertson) yesterday, and tho boys aro now awaiting tho ultimatum. According to our youthful informant, about seventy boys intend to striko at midday on Thursday if this bonus business -is not satisfactorily fixed up.

There cannot bo any talk of fining or imprisoning these useful littlo fellows, as they are in tlio servico of tlio State, and do not work under an award. This must bo a „ ro at relief to the Arbitration Court, at present so surcharged with work.