TRAMWAYMEN'S DISPUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15563, 21 March 1914, Page 8

TRAMWAYMEN'S DISPUTE.

A PROBABLE SETTLEMENT. POSITION AT WELLINGTON [BY TELEGRAPH. PREPS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Friday. The dispute between the Wellington Tramway Employees' Lnion and the City Council was before the Conciliation Council to-day, Mr. P. Hally (conciliation commissioner) presided and the city engineer (Mr. W. H. Morton) represented the City Council and Mr. W. C. Noot, the union. The commissioner said that last time the matter was before the council, there did not appear to be the slightest hope of an agreement being reached, and it seemed tto foe a case which would have to go to the Arbitration Court. Since then, he- had had cause to change his mind as the result of a conversation with Mr. Morton. On the last occasion, when the representatives of the parties went away, he thought the intention of the City Council was simply to submit the old award as their counter-claims. In the interval, however. Mr. Morton had prepared a scheme which he understood would be of direct monetary benefit to 80 or 90 per cent, of the employees. The senior section would be benefited indirectly. In consideration of his, Mr. Morton desired that the union should meet him. He did not ask for anything in the way of reducing wages, but he proposed t( ask that some of the time at preseat wasted should be .ised. He asked that in exchange for extra wages. On the commissioner's suggestion, the council deliierated >n committee. Afterwards, Mr. Hrlly informed a reporter that, in order that the council's proposals might be thoroughly examined by the men, further consideration of the details had been adjourned. Another meeting of the assessors will be held in a few days' time.