LATEST NEWS RAILWAY CRISIS

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14257, 7 January 1920, Page 5

LATEST NEWS RAILWAY CRISIS

NEXT FEW DAYS FATEFUL. LEADERS' DIFFICULT TASK. TO SECURE ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received January 7, 9.10 p.m. LONDON, January 5. The peace of the railway world depends on the happenings of the next few days. The Trad.? UjliQn leaders are divided as'iegards the outcome of tbe task of Mr Thomas and his associate, that is to persuade the delegates to accept tile Government's offer. They will exert the utmost pressure to secure a favourable yerdict, and, as a last resort, will try to get a postponement of a final decision. The delegates will be given every opportunity to discuss the details, and the conference may last for three days. Anyhow the greatest tussle between the Extremists and Moderates is anticipated. In the event of another crisis the executive may resort to a ballot. Public opinion is freely expressed that the men would be unwise to reject the offer. Meanwhile the extremists' standpoint is that they won the last*«trilce, and they are of opinion that they'could win. Another opposition to the offer is based on a general desire to press the original demand, namely, that the 33s bonus should be added to the highest rate of pay of each grade, and the total made the permanent standard rate on the ground that this has already been conceded to the drivers and firemen.

MEETINGS OF 25 ONLY TWO ACCEPT THE TERMS. (Australian and N.Z.. Cable Assn.) Received January 7, 9.55 a.m. LONDON. Jan. 5. Twenty-three branches of the Railwaymen's Association up to the present have rejected the new terms, and only two have accepted.