THE SUGAR STRIKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXII, Issue LXII, 2 August 1911, Page 5

THE SUGAR STRIKE.

(Received August 2, 10.45 a.m.)

BRISBANE, August 2

A wire from Childers asks for more protection for free laborers and farmers. It states that the strikers are armed and are forcibly removing the free laborers. Work on the sugar farms is suspended. A further batch of police was sent to Childers last night.

Another report states that a party of strikers forcibly removed four free laborers and disarmed the owner of a farm who went to the scene loaded with a gun.

From Cairns it is reported that strikers rushed a cottage where a number of free laborers were camped, assaulted the inmates, smashed lamps, windows and furniture, and decamped. One arrest was made.

Several smaller acts of intimidation are reported. The strikers have instituted a thorough system of picketing.

The secretary of the Labor Federation has received a reply from the Sugar Producers' Association intimating that they are unable to entertain the- men's claims, and suggesting that they be submitted to the Wages Board.

In the Assembly, Mr Corser declared that Mr Hughes's proposal to repeal the duties would destroy the sugar industry and throw thousands out of employment.