VICTORIAN RAILWAYS.

Evening Star, Issue 11890, 19 May 1903, Page 6

VICTORIAN RAILWAYS.

THE MEN DISCUSS THE TERMS. WORK TO Be”RESUMED. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, May’ 18. Ihe men have been all day discussing the situation, including the proposal to take a ballot on the question of accepting Mr Irvine’s terms., This will probably not be decided till late to-night. The Strike Executive expressed- their willingness to sacrifice six of their number, including Drivers Hart and Scorer, if the Commissioner would cnncHor the claims of others who did not fair* such an active part in the dispute. THE PREMIER’S ANSWER. MELBOURNE, May 18. A deputation from the strikers asked the Premier not to press, his order to dismiss the leading strikers. Mr Irvine refused, but agreed to withdraw the declaration, leaving the men the opportunity of testing their legal position without signing away their rights. The men agreed to resume work to-mor-row morning. SOUND ADVICE. “GO BACK TO WORK” MELBOURNE, May 19. (Received May 19, at 10.40 a.m.) Mr H. D. Scorer, secretary to the Engine - drivers’ Union, in the course of an interview, said that he did not like the settlement, but the men have to accept it. He hoped the Government would deal fairly with members of the executives who had nothing to do with the declaration to strike. All except the subcommittee had no more connection with it than the main body of strikers. The president (Mr Hart) urged the men to go back to work, and regain the confidence of their eniployera by loyal service. BISHOP NEVELL ON THE CASE. WELLINGTON, May 19. Preaching at St. Paul’s pro-Cathedral on Sunday, Bishop Nevill, of Dunedin, who was on his way to Auckland to take part at the consecration of Dr Neligan as Bishop of Auckland, referred to the collapse of the Victorian railway strike, and emphasised the lessons which it taught. He pleaded for adequate remuneration for all persons who worthily served those who employed them, and expressed the opinion that many people, particularly clerks, were underpaid. He asked whether many employers would not find it to their advantage to allow their work-people to share to some extent in the profits of their business, thus giving employees a greater interest in their work.