NO GENERAL STRIKE.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14821, 12 November 1913, Page 10

NO GENERAL STRIKE.

FEDEBATIO2TS "TRUMP CAED" FAILS.

(special to "tvs press.") WELLINGTON, November 11. ' The "trump card," played by the Federation of Labour at the Opera House meeting on Sunday night, has not proved so successful as was anticipated. A.general strike was proclaimed

for Monday, but yesterday passed with-

out any such development coming to ~ pnss. The various -workers outside of ' the watorsiders and seamen continued to pursue their callings as if such a body as the so-called 1 United Federation of Labour did not exist. Again to-day people nsked ono another* "When is the general strike coming?" It has

not-come, nor does it seem likely to

come. -The-.fiat which ; went forth with such a blare of trumpets iias fallen flat,

despite the desperato efforts of • tho strike leaders to bring about a general stoppage of work. '-.'

The drivers ; alone havo obeyed the call of tho Federation, the majority of the members of their union ceasing work to-day. There is, however, little difficulty in filling their places, and each firm had at least a few' lorries, and other vehicles in commission this afternoon. Members of forwarding firms, assisted by members of their office staffs and by other drivers who have been procured, have kept the wheels moving; There aro also a large of ■ expressnum driving their own vehicles, and they arc, of course, still - to be seen on their stands. Tho employers are advertising for - men to fill the vacancies. . - -

Tho. Federation's other "trump cards" aro still being placed on the table. One of the latest disclosed at the, Square meeting yesterday was a general demand for gold and the closing of accounts at tho Savings Banks where tho strikers and strike sym- ; pathisers may,havo their deposits, in order to temporarily embarrass the Government. This card does not- seem to havo been thrown down as yet, but tho Government has the menns at b.and 'to deal with any sudden demand for gold that may bo made by strikers and their hiends.

' (WtZSS ASSOCIATION' TEIXGRAIf.) . WELLINGTON, November 11. Tho storemen decided to-night not to "down tools." The one-horso vehicle owners decided not to handle any work tho Drivors' Union has withdrawn from. It is understood that the timber trorkers and plumbers will not respond to the call to strike. .