THE TRAMWAYS SETTLEMENT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17516, 7 January 1919, Page 4

THE TRAMWAYS SETTLEMENT.

It is a matter for great public satisfaction that the conference between representatives of the tramway proprietaries and the Industrial Union of Tramway Workers has arrived at a- settlement of the terms of a fresh industrial agreement as affecting the municipal system. Tho whole of the proceedings at the conference demonstrated very clearly that there were no differences between the parties so grave as not to admit of adjustment when discussed and dealt with in a reasonable and conciliatory spirit. Most fortunately it was in this spirit that the representatives of both sides, approached the consideration of the points that were in controversy. It was wisely recognised that there had to be a certain amount of there had to be mutual concessions—in order that an agreement might be reached, and it is to this circumstance that the favourable termination of the conference may be attributed. The representatives of the tramway proprietaries conceded several points to the union in respect of working conditions, in connection with which grounds of complaint certainly existed, and the representatives of the union, having achieved their object in this matter, abated their demand with reference to the scale of wages. The result -of the conference is an agreement which we hope, in the interests of all concerned, will be fully accepted on both sides. The modifications in the conditions of employment may themselves involve an addition of some magnitude to the working charges of the tramway system, but the public should, cheerfully submit to this if the effect will be to secure that there sbnll he a contented'tramway service.