THE AUCKLAND STRIKE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13602, 23 May 1908, Page 6

THE AUCKLAND STRIKE.

APPEAL TO UNIONS.

SERIOUS EFFECT OX TKADE,

Per Press Association.

AUCKLAND, May 22. A meeting of the Management Committee of the Tramways' Union considered the question ui making an appeal to the Unions of the Dominion for financial assistance, but it was resolved that it was ai» yet premature to do so, as there was no need for the strike to last any longer than the general manager desirea. The Auckland branch of the New Zealand Socialists 2 wss ed » resolution expressing full and hearty sympathy with the employees, and pledging their moral support and financial assistance. Mr Rosser. Secretary of the Tramway Union, has received the following telegram from the Wellington Trades Hall: "Succeeded in inducing the local Trades Council to cany a resolution unanimously piomising moral and financial support to tlie AucKland tramway men if required; alr>o calling upon all unemployed land during the trouble. The dcletraiiMvay nen not to go to Auekgate.y are veiy solid and will support you and the men. The federation executive is c!o.-cly watching all movements, and will take action if they find it 'necessary to maintain the rights* and privileges- of their Auckland comrades in I Ik: present justifiable struggle. Good luck. Signed, foung, secretary."

'I he strike is having a very serious effect cm track-, especially on tin; draperv business-. When in the ordinary i:oin.«'-, til--- Qtiwn sti'ti. stores would 'hi: doing a big business, complaint is made that (here is- an alaimiiig falling-oil" in the taking*. Otic big iirni intimated that tlw .strike affected their takings ves-k-rdav by fully £3OO, and if the strike continue.-, the bu.siiii-.ss of the town niu.-t suli'er.

A deputation, consisting of the jH-esident deputation, consisting of the president and treasurer of the Tramway Union interviewed 51 r Walklate. the general manager, thi.s afternoon, to as:k him to attend a meeting to meet the men assembled.

The position ,if all'airs in the tramway strike is unehanged. The public are favoured by jHM-R-ct «•(-.( I iter, and s'-nie air making the best use of the few vehiclesspecially into service, while many ate travelling by train from (lie suburbs which are usually served by tram. The bulk of workers.' however, are walking to and from busings.

A large meeting of the members of the Tramway Union was held this morning, when the men appeared very detcrmiiud to stav out.

There will be a *peeial fitting of lieArbitral ion Court on Monday to try the case* agaiu.st the L'nion for bleach of (li<Arbitration Act. The names of the president, secmtaiy and treasurer of the Union wen- taken by the- Lab'ur Department- presumably in view of these- proceedings.

A CONFERENCE ARRANGED. Ala- J. J. Walklate, General Manager of the Auckland Tramways, has forwarded to tMrurhAr shrdl mfwy mfwy mfwyp mfwy Mr Arthur Rosser, secretary of the Union the following letter:—"l have to thank you for your cordial invitation extended to me by a deputation this morning to attend a meeing and discuss the matter in dispute between us. I am quite willing to attend a meeting at the hour of 10.30 tomorrow morning, either in your room or perhays more conveniently in the Chamber of Commerce Hall which is close by and which I now place at your disposal for that purpose."

GTSBORNK, May 22.; Mr W. Pryor, secretary of the New Zealand Federation of Employers, telegraphed this morning to the Minister for Labour that the federation views with apprehension, the continued prevalence <-f .strikes which are a serious menace to the Acts, and strongly urges an immediate full enquiry into the Auckland tramways trouble, and the promptest possible action if an offence or offences are disclosed.

WELLINGTON, May 22. The delegates at the meeting of Ijk; Wellington Trades and Labour Jiniu"il were unanimous in their support 'ii a res '"ntion to assist the Auckland traniw.iy employees in their struggle with the employers. . " Apart from the rights or wrongs of the position," said one delegate, " the men are on strike, and it is. our duty to support them." The sentiment was greeted with applause, and a resolution was carried with acclamation — " That this Council pledges itself to morally and financially support the Auckland, tramway empoyees' union in its efforts to secure justice to its members, and considers that the time is ripe for the municipalisation- of the Auckland tramway service." The Council also wished it to be known- that in its opinion workers would do well to refrain from going to Auckland during the crisis.