CHRISTCHURCH TRAMWAY TROUBLE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17825, 6 January 1920, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH TRAMWAY TROUBLE.

AMICABLE SETTLEMENT POSSIBLE. (Peb United Pkess Association.) OHRISTCTIURCH, January 5. Though there aro rumours current regarding a possible "go-slow" strike on the part ot the Christchuroh tramwaymen such reports axe characterised by the Tramways Union, as feross exaggeration. The tramway award here lias oxpired, and owing to tho failure of tho conference recently held the Wellington Tramway Board invited tho local union to a conlerence to frame a new award. This invitation the men were unable to accept, as owing to having joined tho federated union no local or sectional agreement could at the time be discussed. The board then cited the workers before the Arbitration Court to have a fresh award registered. The board is at present paying the men an eixtra penny per hour in terms of the recommendation recently put forward by thj court to help to meet the extra cost of living, and will 'pay an extra penny till the new agreement is entered upon. The union at a meeting yesterday (agreed to ask tho board to meet a deputation with a view to, a tatisfactory agreement being drawn up as early as possible; any proposal coming from tho conference to bo subject to ratifi.fit.ion by the federation before being accepted by tho unipn. The Hon. John Barr, chairman of the Tramway Board, expresses himself confident that an agreement will be speedily arrived at. Relations between tho board and the union, are amicable, and both worked hand in hand in- arranging for yesterday's big meeting.