NO TRAINS TO RUN

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 210, 6 September 1927, Page 7

NO TRAINS TO RUN

FIGHT IN QUEENSLAND

An Industrial And Political

Struggle.

OPPOSITION GIVES SUPFOBT.

(By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright)

BRISBANE, September 6.

The parties to the railway dispute met to-day at the Arbitration Court, but on the application of the union an adjournment Mas granted until tomorrow. The union promised to give a definite answer when regarding the acceptance or otherwise of the terms of settlement proposed by the Board of Trade.

The outlook is very gloomy. Both parties refuse to give way in the slightest, and it is stated that if a settlement is not reached to-morrow a general transport strike is possible. There was a complete cessation to-day of the train services in Brisbane. All stations, except for pickets, who went on duty at midnight, were deserted.

All traffic to-dny was by motor omnibus. The State Government had hoped, with the number of applicants for reemployment at its disposal, to introduce a skeleton train service tomorrow, but the Railway Commissioner has now announced that no trains will run aa the unions have declared the railways black. Apparently the commissioner finds it impossible to put his plan into operation.

The position is rapidly assuming a political aspect, and will probably end in a struggle between the industrial and political sections of the Labour party. At present the Cabinet is strongly behind the Premier, Mr. W. McCormack, but he

will have to face

the caucus before Parliament meets on Tuesday. It is anticipated that there will be some defections, but it is believed tho majority of the party will continue to support the Premier.

The Leader of the Opposition says it is absolutely essential that the Government should M-e that the laws are observed and the Opposition will do its utmost to support tho Government ac long as it maintains its- present attitude.

RAILWAY STOPPAGE. Brisbane Streets Lined With Motors And Buses. TRAFFIC COPED WITH. (Rect-ived 11.30 a.m.) BRISBANE, this day. Owing to the stoppage of the railway services the streets of Brisbane arc crowded with motor cars and buses of all descriptions. Almost every car owner drove to town aud there was difficulty in finding room to park cars. Iu the city thoroughfare at knocking of! time lines of motor buses were rushed by people, who were anxious to reach their homes. The buses, together with trams, coped very satisfactorily with the traffic.

Mass meetings of railwaymen at Brisbane and Ipswich reaffirmed that solidarity was indicated. Twenty trains will bo running to-day and the oil steamer Pinna, with 50.000 cases of motor spirit and kerosene, is anchored off Townsville, because her cargo cannot be discharged owing to the strike. It is stated that carters decline to deliver it from tho wharf into the stores.