CHRISTCHURCH TRAM SERVICE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXII, 19 June 1912, Page 8

CHRISTCHURCH TRAM SERVICE.

MEN TAKE A BALLOT.

BY fETiEGEAPH--r-EEBB ASSOCIATION

CHRISTCHURCH, June 18

The reply of the Tramway Board to the men's demands for an immediate improvement in their conditions has caused a good deal of indignation among members of the union, though its effect hardly came is 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 10 o'clock in the Trades; Hall. The meeting, which was strictly in camera, lasted 2\ hours, and the Board's resolution and detailed reply to the men's grievances were discussed exhaustively. 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. The Tramwaymen's Union have decided to hold a secret ballot to-morrow 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 w-as 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 moved to the effect that no action should be taken until after the Tramway Board elections.

The motion was carried, 59 members voting; in favor of it. while only 23 voted for the amendment.

"We will strike, but not for long." a reporter was told, "only long enough to show that we have some power." It is now understood that the outcome of the meeting of tramwaymen to-day and to-night is that tbe projected strike will be deferred till after the Tramway Board elections on Thursday.