THE SYDNEY TRAMWAYS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2352, 19 November 1908, Page 4

THE SYDNEY TRAMWAYS.

THE RECENT STRIKE.

REPORT OF BOARD OF ENQUIRY.

United Peess Association, Copteight

SYDNEY, Nov. 17. The Tramway Board appointed as a result of the late strike to enquire into tlio relations between the Commissioners and the einjiloyees presented an awerd. One of the men’s chief grievances was the espionage system. The award provides that no conductor shall be punishable for the irre- -f* gular issue of a ticket on the uncorroborated evidence of a special officer, or punished l for failing to collect a fare or issue a ticket in exchange for a fare on the information of a special officer, unless liis attention is called to the irregularity at the time. When charges are made against them, the men are to be notified, allowed to examine the reports, and call evidence on their own behalf. The award provides for aa all-round increase of sixpence per day wages, and makes a number of other modifications to the men's advantage. The president of the Board, in delivering the award, said that dt'had not been shown that the irritation of the men at the espionage system had any reasonable basis, or that it was of such a character as to justify its discontinuance. Another grievance was the eyesight tests. It was declared that these were not unnecessarily harsh, as it \ would bejunsafe to allow men unable to comply therewith to IJTnive trams in the streets. On the question oftlie guilt or innocence of Conductor Croucher, over whom the strike was precipitated, the Board was equally divided. The matter was d«ecided on the casting vote of the president. He came to the conclusion that Croucher’s guilt was established beyond all reasonable doubt. The award 1 gives the union substantial concessions. It is believed that the Commissioners will accept it loyally, and it is expected the union will do the same.