LABOUR CRISIS IN AUSTRALIA

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24743, 7 December 1945, Page 5

LABOUR CRISIS IN AUSTRALIA

Industry Coming To A Halt PUBLIC SERVICES CURTAILED % (Special Australian Corresp., N.Z.P.A.) ' (Rec. 9 p.m.) SYDNEY, December 6. With industry coming to a halt and tens of thousands of workers being thrown idle each day, the effects of the steel, coal and shipping strikes and the consequent electricity, and gas restrictions are being felt *y the public. Rail, tram and ferry services, have been reduced, and except in prescribed periods the use of electricity and gas in homes has been forbidden. The threat of a shortage of food is perturbing housewives, and there has been a rush to buy tinned foods. The public has been warned of a beer and tobacco shortage.

Gity stores and cafes are trying to carry on with emergency lighting, but a number of city retail shops have drastically curtailed their trading hours.

Footwear and clothing factories ceased work yesterday., Most city picture theatres will continue their screenings, as they have emergency lighting plants, but practically all suburban theatres were forced to close. House construction will • slow down because of a shortage of timber, nails and plumbing equipment.

The main horse racing fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne will beheld on Saturday, in spite of heavy cuts to train services. '/ Greyhound races, which depend on electric power, have been abandoned.