THE AUCKLAND TRAM STRIKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LIII, Issue LIII, 22 May 1908, Page 5

THE AUCKLAND TRAM STRIKE.

[press association.] AUCKLAND, May 22. It is claimed by the company that their position is unassailable in so far as the discharge of the conductor Herdson is concerned. It is stated that under the agreement, after the dispute with the men last year, no summary dismissal could take place except a good reason were given by the company, but the company had the privilege of discharging a man without any explanation so long as a week's notice was given. Herdson was dismissed and given a week's wages in lieu of notice. ! This afternoon a mass meeting of members of the union was held. Mr Kosser, the union secretary, said that tiie union and the men associated with it had that day covered themselves with glory. He was pleased to say that tiie firemen at the power-house had joined in the strike. They had come out in sympathy with the motormen and conductors. Half of them were not members of the union. He said he had had a conference with a leading townsman, and he had been informed by that gentleman that if a truce were declared he thought they would get everything asked for. A meeting was then held at which 60 members of the union were present. An amendment had been proposed that a truce be called till two o'clock, but this was over-ruled by 48 to 3. After the flag (denoting the decision to strike) had been put up, Mr Baume, M.P., had come to him and said he would like to see the matter settled. He (Mr Rosser) had replied that they were willing for a settlement, but it must be brought about honorably. Mr Baume had suggested a conference with the general manager, and the speaker had replied that the general manager should* come to them.