Mr. Bromley, of course, hoped that the N.U.R. would break
away from the leadership of Mr. Thomas, which has been very firm and explicit, and would join the strike. In this he was disappointed, and his attempt to reopen negotiations with the companies on Monday was not surprising. On that night the Executive of the A.S.L.E. and F. requested a conference with the railway managers. The managers not unnaturally replied that their com- panies at the earnest request of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress had offered to deal with hard cases,.and that that offer was still open. It represented, however, " the full extent " to which the companies could go. On Tuesday night the Executive of the A.S.L.E. and F. sent another letter to the managers, expressing regret that the managers refused to set aside the findings of the Wages Board, but repeating a desire for a conference. * * * *
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