TRAMWAYS DEADLOCK

Evening Star, Issue 23565, 2 May 1940, Page 8

TRAMWAYS DEADLOCK

BDTH SIDES STAND FIRM [Pee United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, May 2. Hope of a settlement of the tramway wages deadlock improved to-day when Mr C. L. Hunter, liaison officer to tho Minister of Labour, arrived and consulted with the chairman and officials of the Transport Board and representatives of tho union. So far, however, the parties have shown no inclination to approach each other. Tho board appears to be relying on tho Arbitration Court to pave the way for a settlement by facilitating hearing of its application for interpretation of the clause in the men’s agreement on which the latter base their claim. The men arc standing firm in their claim for an 8 per cent, increase, and the trains are still going slow. LIAISON OFFICER ARRIVES [Special to the ‘ Star.’] WELLINGTON, May 2. Tho Minister of Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) states that the liaison officer (Mr L. Hunter) arrived at Auckland to-day in connection with the tramway dispute, and will report after interviewing the representatives of both sides. “ At the present moment I know nothing about the points in disputs,” added Mr Webb, “ but any matter which cannot be mutually agreed upon should bo referred to tho Arbitration Court, and wo will do our utmost to have the hearing facilitated.”

INDIGNITY ON PUBLIC

DEREGISTRATION SUGGESTED AUCKLAND, May 2. Commenting on the “go slow ” policy, the chairman of the Transport Board, Mr W. H. Nagle, said that not only had an efficient transport system been shattered by the direct action of a section of the board’s employees, but also an unnecessary indignity had been inflicted on the public. Beyenue had been seriously affected, and it was obvious that revision of the whole service must be considered at the earliest possible moment. “ I have good grounds»for believing,” said Mr Nagle, “ that if a ballot were taken among those operating the ‘ go slow ’ policy, the result would be disapproval of the action taken and immediate abandonment of it. _ It seems imperative that some provision should be made that, before any union can adopt a course having such far-reaching effects as the present one, it should be compelled to take a' ballot among all members.” The secretary of the union, Mr Liddell, questioned to-day, said the men had made a decision and intended toabide by it until the board had fulfilled its agreement to meet the increased cost of living. A suggestion that, because of the action of the men, the Tramways Union should be deregistered by the Government was made at a meeting of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce to-day. Finally the matter was referred to a committee to take appropriate action. A telegram was sent later to Mr Webb, strongly urging him to use his influence and powers to bring about an early settlement of the dispute on a constitutional basis.