CHRISTCHURCH TRAMWAYMEN.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 157, 19 June 1912, Page 5

CHRISTCHURCH TRAMWAYMEN.

A CRISIS REACHED

STRIKE COMES IN THE SPRING

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Christchurch, June 18

The reply of the Tramway Board to the men’s demands for immediate improvement in their working conditions has caused a good deal of indignation among members of the union, though its effect hardly came as a surprise. Matters seem to have come to a crisis, and a strike is considered by the man in the street to be the next development. The evening shift of tramway workers met this morning at ten o’clock in the Trades Hail. Several resolutions were passed and these will be considered at a meeting of the morning shift at 8 o’clock to-night. If they are approved the line of action suggested will be taken by the union executive.

Mr. H. Hunter, secretary of the union, informed a reporter that these resolutions were not for publication until a definite agreement was come to by the union. The Tramway L’nion is alreadjveering away from the Arbitration Court. The possibility that it is shaping its course towards the Federation of Labour, which has been holding out since November last a threat “to paralyse the wheels of industry,” increases the likelihood of a general strike.

The I'cderation of Northern Labur leaders have stated that it on!,’ w-inls rhe general support of ihe transport verkers and it will act. It wants to take its revenge for several grievances, the Auckland labourers’ affairs and the Waihi deadlock among them. Men who have taken a prominent part in labour matters were of opinion that the menace of a general strike is hanging over New Zealand. “But it won’t be for a month or two,” said one. “The employers would like us to strike now, but we know something. Winter is not a suitable time for a strike. Something will happen in the spring. Dissatisfaction among the workers is increasing. The Government’s promises for improvements have remained what they always were, rosy promises with nothing behind them.”

The Trainwaymen’s Union have decided to hold a secret ballot tomorrow to decide what course shall be followed. The feeling at the evening shift’s meeting to-day was not at all unanimous, so a reporter was informed. A motion was proposed suggesting that the union should carry out its original intention and suspend the service next Monday afternoon in order to hold a public meeting in Cathedral Square. Then an amendment was made to the effect that no action should be taken until after the Tramway Board elections. The motion was carried, 59 members voting in favour of, while only 23 voted for the amendment. “We will strike, but not for long,” the reporter was told ; “only long enough to show that wc have some nower.”