AUCKLAND TRAMS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10207, 18 February 1919, Page 5

AUCKLAND TRAMS

A SETTLEMENT REACHED. PUBLIC TO PAY THE PIPER. frees Association. AUCKLAND, February 17 The trouble between the tramway company and the union ended yesterday, as the result of, intervention ny the Mayor,' and the normal service has now been resumed. Mr Gunson conferred with Mr VV alklate, the company’s manager, yesterday morning, and 'with the union delegate in the a visaing, and at midnight the following agreement was signed by all the parties : The company concedes tne men s main demands of January 23rd; with the exception of coach work. Ane existing agreement is confirmed, subject to alteration of the rates or pay and an eight-hour day. . . The council to continue negotiations along the lines of the Mayor’s negotiations with Mr Vi alklate, the agreement to be effected in accordance therewith, ' The Mayor to call the council together immediately to deal with the position with all reasonable dispatch, and take atqps to have effect given to the terms. Clause 4, dealing with increased rates *of pay and new conditions granted by the company, shall come into operation as scon as the council is in the legal position to complete the proposed agreement with the company. The men shall .forthwith resume .normal conditions aijd give to the community the most> efficient service possible. The agreement Is subject to confirmation by the 010101*. Discussing the settlement subsequently, Sir Gunson said that it manifestly involved an increase in tram fares sufficient to meet the position. After exhaustive investigations as tothe company’s position, this was inevitable, and in view of all the circumstances he felt justified, on behalf of the citizens, in negotiating a settlement on the terms stated. The tramway officers have intimated that they intend to re-open the question of an increase of wages, which they state are already low in proportion to the pay of motormen and drivers.