FIREMEN’S STRIKE

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27795, 21 October 1955, Page 13

FIREMEN’S STRIKE

“War of Nerves”

By Men

(Rec. 12.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, October 20. A “war of nerves” is being waged against overworked senior officers by striking firemen .giving false alarms, the deputy chief fire officer in Sydney (Mr J. S. McGrath) said today. Mr McGrath described the alarms as “wicked and malicious” and aimed at sabotaging the efforts of the staff of 45 senior officers manning Sydney’s main fire stations because of a strike by firemen who are protesting against a new award. The men have been out for a week.

Mr McGrath said anonymous callers had used fire brigade expressions when they reported bogus fires. There had been 39 false alarms since the strike began. The Firemen’s Union secretary, Mr J W. Lambert, said today: “I have heard something about malicious false alarms, but anything is likely when the men are incited. If it is being done by our men, it is without union consent.” The strikers are setting up a strong organisation to prepare for a long stoppage. Union officials say the men are prepared to stay out until their demands are met.

Miss Truman on T.V.— Miss Margaret Truman, daughter of the former President of the United States (Mr Harry Truman, will be the hostess on a new television programme called “Week-day,” it was announced in New York. The programme, scheduled to start next month, will be aimed at women listeners and will offer entertainment, household tips, and discussions on family problems and world affairs. —New York, October 19.