LAW IN THEIR OWN HANDS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 89, 15 April 1913, Page 5

LAW IN THEIR OWN HANDS.

A BROKEN HII3. THREAT. MEN READY TO ARBITRATE. (Received 10.50 a.m.) SYDNEY, this day. - The only mines now working are the Broken Hill Proprietary, Junction, and North Zinc Corporation. Owing to the shrinkage of trade the employees of many leading businesses have been placed on half time. A resolution carried at Broken Hill by a meeting of strikers "yesterday declared that if the Government failed to put the wheels in action within 24 hours, the unionists would take the law into their own hands and see that foodstuffs were brought to the town for starving women and children. Volunteers were called to man the engines, and nine were forthcoming. Ministers are reticent regarding yesterday's interview with the proprietors, but while admitting that the position is serious, , declare that there is more than 24 hours' food supply at the railway stat.on, only people cannot get at it. While the men are willing to submit to arbitration, the Tramway Company insists that resumption of work must, precede arbitration. The South Australian Government has refused the Xew South Wales Government's request to lend a train to run to Broken Hill to carry supplies, should the fflod question become acute. South Australia has sent 70 police to Cockburn to protect railway property.