THE H.B. TRIBUNE. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1912. THE STRIKES.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 44, 5 February 1912, Page 4

THE H.B. TRIBUNE. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1912. THE STRIKES.

Although the Brisbane police appear to have the city well in hand, and the keen vigilance exercised is preventing any dangerous aggregation of excited strikers, there is as yet no indication of a peaceful settlement, Indeed, the news to-day shows that the strike is spreading, and many Townsville workers have decided upon a sympathetic action if the call comes. The city' has been swept into industrial turmoil more serious than any previously experienced, and it is difficult at the present juncture to even hazard an opinion as to how the trouble will end. It appears plain enough that the workers have been thrown into a state of unreasoning excitement, and have determined to use the full power of their organisation to foice acceptance of demands. The Queensland Government has been placed jn a very’ awkward position, and tne Premier deserves to be commended for the firm spirit he has displayed. It is beyond shadow of doubt that the misguided rioters, led by such female firebrands as the woman Miller, would have caused serious damage to property and possibly brought about bloodshed, if the authorities had not acted promptly and with determination. It is also a gdod sign that the strike leaders are assisting (loverninent to keep order.

In Wellington the tramway trouble still proceeds vigorously, and at time of writing there is no sign of any sett lenient. The union has insolently told the Council that if the ir demands are not acceded to by noon to-day other unions will be called upon to "down tools m sympathy. Just what the City Council will do it is difficult to say. They appear to have shown an undue desire to propitiate the union all through the trouble, and some people anticipate seeing them roll the honor of the Corporation in the dust. It is to be sincerely hoped, however, that the Council will stand firm. The men have been treated with outstanding leniency throughout the whole period of disturbance, and it would be a sorry spectacle indeed to see the city bullied to its knees by a section of blatant malcontents. The acceptance of the men’s terms seems to us almost impossible. Arrogant in the belief of their power the men have insisted upon the humiliation of both the Council and Inspector Fuller. Commissioner Halley, with commendable tact, pre-j-ailed upon Inspector Fuller to voluntarily resign, and the Council agreed to transfer him at his request. This, however, will not satisfy the vengeance-hunters. They’ wish to make Fuller "eat dirt.” and demand that he be transferred at "their request." The whole proceeding is an outrage upon commonsense. and the tramway men will be

verj’ much mistaken if they imagine the thinking workers will unanimously applaud their actions. It is only necessary to read the speeches delivered at the mass meeting to judge the worth of the cause being fought for. Men who were fighting for a principle ; men who had the bread and happiness of their wives and families involved in the struggle would not get up on platforms and talk abusive twaddle. Regret will be mingled with disgust of the whole proceedings when it is seen that such politicians as Mr. John Payne, M.P.. has been using his temporary notoriety to associate himself with Basin Reserve opera bouffc*. His advice that the men must have ‘'victory at all cost” is just what might have been expected of him. and thoroughly illuminates Mr. Fowld’s remark that the electors who voted against him must have been suffering from mental aberration. The whole trouble has been an unpleasant example of puerile folly, and shows upon what a flimsy foundation our industrial peace rests. To those looking at these strikes from the standpoint of a total outsider, does it not appear nothing short of madness that two great cities should be plunged into industrial paralysis because one lot of men want to wear a button and the others want to get an inspector "sacked It is a pitiable travesty upon the benefits of honest unionism. Yet we have' a member of Parliament declaring the men must have "victory at all costs Is it any wonder that our legislation begins to stultify progress ?

[As we go to press this afternoon a Press Asociatison message came to hand announcing the bare fact that the Wellington trainwymen’s strike had been settled. Tantalising in its brevity it leaves us in the dark concerning the terms of settlement. Which side has surrendered? Surely after yesterday’s talk of closing the doors of the Press, of dictating to the Ciiy Council; of extending the fight from Auckland to ’he Bluff, it cannot be Messrs Young, Carey, Hicke.v and Co. that haw capitulated. Later particulars cJ the surrender, whichever side had made it, are likely to be telegraphed through to us this evening, and as the messages come to hand they will be posted outside the "Tribune” Office. 1