THE TRAMWAYS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17935, 31 October 1918, Page 4

THE TRAMWAYS.

A CURTAILED SERVICE.

UNION REOPENS NEGOTIATIONS.

Unfriendly relations between tho Tramway Board and its traffic employees continue, the situation yesterday' being practically unchanged, though the evidences of friction were not strikingly apparent to the general public so far as tho running of the tramway system was concerned. The “observance of rules” policy by the employees has been provided for by the board by the adoption of a curtailed service, several short run» being cut out, and only terminus to terminus runs maintained, and on this basis there is very little visible dislocation of traffic arrangements.

THE UNION’S PROPOSAL

REINSTATEMENT OF DISMISSED

MEN

As the outcome of a meeting of the Tramway Employees’ Union yesterday morning the’following letter lias been sent to the general manager of the tramways by the secretary of the union:—

“I have been directed to submit the following proposals to tho Christchurch Tramway Board in view of the union’s desire to effect a settlement of the present dispute, and thus enable the public to reap the full benefit from tho tramway service in the immediate future:—

(1) That the men who have been dismissed for obeying the union he reinstated.

(2) That a conference be held immediately between three representatives from each side, under tho Conciliation Commissioner (Mr W. H. Dagger). (3) If tho board will agree to the foregoing the union agrees to immediately resume the normal running of the service, pending the result of the conference.

THE BOARD'S REPLY

The general mu' iger of tho Christchurch tramways 1 is replied as follows to the union’s letter: —“ I am in receipt of yours of to-day’s date, submitting three proposals to tho board ’’ (proposals quoted). “In reply, I am directed to say that the board cannot entertain the above, but that any proposals for a conference will be considered when normal running of cars is resumed.”

TRIBUTE TO GENERAL MANAGER

At a meeting of the Works and Traffic Committee of the Christchurch Tramway Board, held yesterday, the following resolution was carried: — “That this oomniittee of the whole board places on record its appreciation of the manner in which Mr Thompson, the general manager, has carried out his duties and given effect to the decisions of the board during the present industrial disturbance, in face of the personal abuse directed towards him through the columns of the public Press while fulfilling the instructions of the board.”

MEETINGS OF UNION

OVERTIME QUESTION TO BE

CONSIDERED

Two meetings of the members of the Tramway Employees’ Union were held yesterday —one in the morning and one m the evening. Each meeting was largely attended, and Air E. Snow,' the president, occupied tho chair. It was decided that a further meeting should be held at midnight on Saturday to consider the question of the working of overtime in the future. The secretary was instructed to advise tho public through the newspapers that the management was taking cars off certain roads, and thereby reducing the service, for which the union disclaimed any responsibility. It was resolved to hold a public mooting in tho Opera House on Sunday night for the pinpose of explaining the position to the general public. The board’s reply to the union’s letter of yesterday’s date will bo placed before the midnight meeting on Saturday. In the meantime the union secretary states the rules and regulations will be strictly adhered to.

At the meeting of the /Woolston Borough Council last night Councillor Macllae moved that the Hon John Barr be asked to use his best endeavours to grant the traniwaymcn a conference in connection with the pending dispute, and to supply a return shading the salaries of all the board s employees. The motion was seconded ana carried.