AUCKLAND TRAMWAY DISPUTE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2221, 19 June 1908, Page 2

AUCKLAND TRAMWAY DISPUTE.

THE BOARD OF CONCILIATION. THE DIFFICULTY OF FINDING A ' CHAIRMAN. [Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 18. The difficulty of finding a chairman of the special Board of Conciliation set up to consider the differences between the Auckland Tramways Company and the employees has not yet been overcome. A little while ago it was anticipated that tlie Minister for Labor (Hon. J. -A. ‘Millar) would, if considered acceptable, take tlio posi- " : tion, and in view of liis achievements' as president of the-recent marine con- . ' ferenee, it-was regarded as more than likely that lie would assist in ing about an arrangement that would be satisfactory to both parties. Unfortunately, in the opinion of some of the principals, that hope has had to \bo abandoned. Mr. Millar was, it is reported, regarded by both sides as most suitable man for the position, but after consultation with liis colleagues he has been compelled to decline on account of tbe near approach of Parliament, and the great amount of work that lias to bo transacted in tbe interval. At ithe same time Mr. Millar fully appreciates the expression of confidence implied in the proposal, as the position will bo one entailing considerable responsibility on anyone who is selected to- occupy it.

j ' [Speciai. to “Times.”] AUCKLAND, June IS. It was stated yesterday that tlio , Hon. J. A. Millar had been asked to take the diairm insliip of the special Board of Conciliation-appointed in connection with-the recent tramwaystrike. The success of Mr. Millar in settling the seamen’s dispute recently had considerbale influence, it is understood, in the request-., be.hu.'...'. ..... made for him to accept the position.' Mr. Millar, however,- lias stating that though tlie great con- ""'t:’ (klenee. reposed in him by both sides was very gratifying, it would be impossible for him owing to liis Ministerial duties, coupled with the approach ol the session, to devote his. time to the position. As tlio Mayor’s name was mentioned in connection with the report that the Tramway Company and theiremployees had approved of the Ministet; lor Libor as chairman of the Conciliation Board set up to decide tlio dispute between them, a “Star” reporler waited on Mr. Myers and asked if lie bad taken any action in tlio matter. Mr. .Myers replied that as the matter bad evidently become public be would say tint he was approached with a view In ascertaining if both'" parties would be agreeable to Mr. Millars appointment, and accordingly consulted with Messrs AYalklato anil Kosher, Who both expressed wilImgness to accept Mr. Millar as cliiirma" He then communicated u it'll Lin' jI inwho, however ,replied that after due consideration ho tomid it impossible to accept the .position, but was deeply sensible of tlio compliment.