RAILWAYMEN STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18690, 22 April 1924, Page 8

RAILWAYMEN STRIKE.

ALL TRAIN SERVICES AFFECTED. MEN REFUSE WAGES BOARD. HIGHER PAY DEMANDED. CABINET REJECTS ULTIMATUM. Members of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants were called out on strike throughout the Dominion at midnight. Negotiations between the men and the Government broke down yesterday when the representatives of the employees notified the Government that thev would not accept the proposed new Wages Board and demanded an increase in wages. The Cabinet refused this ultimatum and the decision to strike was the result. A personal assurance was given by the president of the striking organisation, however, that then** before ceasing work would run all trains leaving before midnight last night to their home stations. It is estimated that the number of men called out on strike is between 11,000 and 12,000. About 3000 people left Auckland by train last evening, the scene at the local station being a memorable one. Extra accommodation was provided, and room was found for all the travellers. Many visitors, however, delayed their departure, and will have no trains to rely upon to=day. No immediate dislocation in the supplies of necessities is ex. pected in Auckland, although coal for household purposes is likely to be in short supply. Coalmines in the Waikato wilt have to close down if trucks are not available. The strike is expected to cause delay to steamers loading and unloading at Auckland. The despatch and receipt of mails will also be affected, but arrangements are being made to deal with tfoem as expeditiously as possible by means of motorcars and coastal steamers.