THE PREMIER FIRM.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 259, 25 July 1908, Page 5

THE PREMIER FIRM.

NO PROMISES TILL MEN RETURN TO WORK. STRIKE SPREADS TO OTHER TOWNS. • FIVE ARRESTS. (Rec. July 25, 0.35 a.m.) Sydney, July 24. Tho streets to-night wero as orowdod as on election night, and a large proportion of the rough element .mingled with the merely curious. ATTEMPTS TO RUN CARS FAIL, ' Sinoo tho morning tho Sydnoyito has'beon indulging in tho novelty of walking, for there is no tram icrviee. One or two spasmodic attempts wore made to run cars, but a hostile demonstration mado it almost impossible for the most loyal employee to stick to his post. Five arrests for assault were made during the afternoon, and one or two victims of assaults aro being treated at the hospital. At the power-house 250 men came out in sympathy with tho car men. Tho authorities state that in some instances cars have been tampered with and parts removed. Although tho Department had no success in tho work of running tramoars today, it is stated that their arrangements for to-morrow will provide a modified service. A SINISTER RUMOUR. A rumour is current that tho railway men may striko in sympathy. In this case a curious position would bo created, paralysing trado. Tho tramways striko at the worst inflicts inconvenionco on individuals living in remote suburbs. ■ A deputation of the Trades and Labour Counsel asked tho Premier (Mr. Wado) for an independent Board of Inquiry into the tramway mcn'B grievances, also for tho reinstatement of Croucher, tho conductor over whose dismissal the trouble originated. The Premier refused both requests. He said that the men had broken tho law (Industrial Disputes Act) and would have to return to work before the Government's intentions beoamo known, or boforo any promises wero made. The tramway men at Broken Hill and Newcastlo have also struck work. Buses aud cabs aro reaping a great harvest. Tho ferry sorvices to the suburbs are beiDg increased.