BRISBANE STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1359, 9 February 1912, Page 5

BRISBANE STRIKE.

MEN LOSING GROUND. CONDITIONS RETURNING TO NORMAL. CAR SERVICE MAINTAINED. Br Telcffrnph-p'ress Assoelai!on-OoDjrlcli» (lice. February 8, 9.45 p.m.) Brisbane, February 8. There is little change in the strike posiHun, the chief event being that the whole of tho employees at (lie Ipswich railway shops resumed this morning. The Minister of Uailways was present, and congratulated tho men on using common sense. The Premier, in an interview, said lie was negotiating for the charter of vessols to bring foodstuffs from southern ports, and if any tradesman wanted protection to land or move goods he could hare it, the strikers were not going to hold him up. Tho Government was ready at every point, but he thought the trouble would soon bo over, Mr. Badger, manager of the tramways, reports receiving several threatening letters. Strike Leaders Fight. It is rumoured that friction between the moderates and extremists on the Strike Committee culminated in two prominent leaders exchanging blow's. The strike leaders show no decline in confidence, and are pleased at the way funds are rolling in. The steamer Pilbarra was held up at Mackay, the wharf labourers and crew declining to unload. Tho consignee's staff and a number of others, including the 'Mayor, unloaded the vessel. Charters Towers Strikers Resume. At a meeting of the Charters Towers strikers it was decided to resume, and they will probably start on Monday. Challenge from Employers. A meeting of the Employers' Federation decided to challenge.the Strike Committee to tako a ballot of strikers on the question of returning to work, also to tell the committee that the employers under no circumstances will throw out loyal workers to make room for strikers. Strikers Not Taken Back. All tho retail establishments are practically full staffed. Some firms are refusing to take back strikers, a notable example being the Government Printing Office, where no strikers will be taken back. Many of the latter have fifteen years' service, and by their action forfeit all right to extended leavo or the gratuity of six months' pay to their widows in caso of death, and other privileges. The whole of the strikers at Ipswich workshops have decided to return to work. The port master announces that the pilot service is restored. Tramway Service Filling. On the tramways there are less than a hundred vacancies now available. Strikers who may be faken on will have to start at tho bottom of the list, no matter tho length of their previous service. Refusal of Military Aid, It is stated on good authority that the Governor has communicated with the Secretary of State for Colonies regarding Mr. Fisher's refusal to allow the military to assist in maintaining order during tho strike. The nature of the message is not disclosed. A SELF-DENYING ORDINANCE. ■ STRIKERS AND HOTELS. Brisbane, February 8. The hotels have reopened. The strike leaders, however, have advised the men not to patronise them. EMPLOYERS' PROTECTION. A SYDNEY MEETING. (Rec. February 9, 0.5 a.m.) Sydnoy, February 8. Interruptions in the wires are delaying Brisbane striko news. A meeting of tho New South Wales Employers' Federation adopted a resolution approving of the Queensland Federation's firm and just attitude in tho industrial upheaval, and condemning the Primo Minister, Mr. Fisher, for refusing military aid. It. was decided to adopt measures to strengthen employers' organisations.