A SURPRISE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 51, 1 March 1913, Page 5

A SURPRISE

IMMEDIATE ACTION TAKEN. ONE THOUSAND HANDS OUT. SYDNEY, 28th February. The strike surprised both the company and the Gas Employees' Union. A meeting of the departing and the f new shifts last night deci3ed to stop, and immediately took action. The office staff and experts kept the supply up to-day, but unless there is a settlement North Sydney will be without gas to-morrow night. A 'Labour Council deputation interviewed the company's manager and admitted that the strike was precipitate and against union discipline. They urged that steps b 6 taken to obtain a wages award so that the men obtain an advance and that it be passed on to the consumer. The manager declared that there was no opposition to an increase if it could be passed on. The men's demand represented a total of £6000 and the reduction in the price of gas under the new Act another £6000, and this the company was unable to stand. Any way, the men must return to work before anything could be done. Subsequently a conference took place between the company's and • the men's representatives. The company insisted that resumption of work was imperative before negotiations could be entered into. COMPANIES UNPREPARED. The Australian Gaslight Company's employees at Mortlake works, which serve large suburban areas, to the number of six hundred, joined the strike. The employees of the company's city works are still in. Further developments are probable. In view of eventualities the city gas supply has been reduced to-night. The suddenness of the move left the companies unprepared, and they will be unable to keep up the supply beyond a day or two. The outlook is serious. Already about one thousand hands are out. LAMPS AND CANDLES IN DEMAND. 1 The citj gasmen have gone out, adding 270 to the strikers. Lamps and candles are in great demand. Manly is the only other company so far unaffected, and it is expected that the Manly men will join. MINISTER OF LABOUR ACTIVE AN INJUNCTION TO BE SOUGHT. VOLUNTEERS AT WORK. (Received March 1, 9:15 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Dfj -. Mr. Carmichaei, Minister for Lai our, hurried back to town from Yass, w he has been electioneering. It is believed he intends to comm ncs injunction proceedings against the gas strikers. He arrived this morning. Unless the men resume the city ff'U be without gas to-night. The North Shore Company is at' /erasing for four hundred men. Fifty volunteers worked the Nurth Shore retorts last night, hence, at thu worst, there may be a glimmer there tonight. It is rumoured that the North S 1 oro men will resume if the Australian ri* light Company's employees at Mort ike resume. Last night a conference was held by those concerned in the industry and Ihe Registrar, but it was resultless. It iill bo continued to-day.