THE AUCKLAND A.S.R.S.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17459, 1 May 1920, Page 7

THE AUCKLAND A.S.R.S.

YESTERDAY'S MEETING. FULL FACTS NOT KNOWN. DECISION TO STAND BY LOCO. BRANCH. The Auckland branch of the Amalgamate* Society of Railway Servants decided yesterday not to resume work until the strik" of the F.nginedrmrs, Firemen and Cleaner?' Association is settled. This decision was reached at a meeting at the Trades Ball yesterday afternoon at which about 1000 railwaymen were present. It is important to note, however, that the men were not then aware of the division which has occured between the A.RS.A. and EXC.A. ..The men had previously marched in proc ision from Quay Street, via Queen Street. Mr. M. Bicker, formerly organiser of the Queensland and Victorian railways, wax ' voted to the chair. Mr. C. Dawson, secretary to the Auckland braßch of the Amalgamated' Society of Railway Servants, read a telegram from the president and secretary of the society in Wellington stating that the strike of the society had been settled, end that. members were to report for work immediately. A telegram from Wellington stating that regotiations in regard to the strike of tho Enginedrivers, Firemen and Cleaners' Association were proceeding, and instructing members to hold themselves in readiness until midnight to man the Royal train was read by Mr. P. Carroll, secretary to the Auckland branch of the association. Addressing the members of the Amalgamated Society, Mr. Carroll said he did not presume to dictate to them as to what course they should take. " I would like to ask, however, is our light your fight?" he said. Voices: Yes.

Mr. Carroll': Then you know what to do.

Speaking with regard to the Royal. train, Mr. Carroll said the undertaking by the Auckland branch of the Enginedrivers, Firemen, and Cleanets' _ Association was that tlwy would run .he tra;n to its destination in the Auckland railway district. The authorities, however, had returned the train to Auckland, and the responsibility of the society in the matter ended. As far as the society was concerned the train had reached its destination. Efforts had been made to get members to work on the train, but it was a matter for congratulation that they had i refused.

Mr. R. F. Baiter, secretary to the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, said that within 12 hours after the locomotive men struck members of his society were asked to take their places. They refused to do so. however.

Numerous speeches were made urging the members of the Amalgamated Society to disregard the telegram from their president and secretary, ar.d to stand by the locomotive men. A.nnng the speaker:, were Messrs. M. .1. Sa.vaze. F. N. Bartrain, and W. E. Parry, MP.'?. It was eventually decided that the membars of r -he Amalgamated Society refuse to resume work until the strike cf_ the Enjjinedrlvers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association is settled, and a meeting of the two unions will be held at the Trades Hall at ten o'clock this morning. DISTRIBUTION OF H3RALD. SUCCESSFUL MOTOR SERVICE. Arrangements made for the delivery of the Herald to country districts during the past few days proved effe.tivu, despite most adverse conditions. On the northern route the muddv roads were negotiated with some difficulty, but good time vm made, and the connection with the .forthem Wuiroa district was maintained, Sotltft f r?;ir l it£ Waikato, KingCounS U Places the following morning. The bus was eierfy locked for in various towns, and the arrival of the motor-trucks was ho occasion for denoratrafona of appreciation from the waiting crowds.. The branch office of the New Zeai iXB HERALD a t Ward Street, Hamilton, was a sce-ue of great activity, the distribution of the , papers to other centres being made from I this point .:! ■--'j ■■),: y .