BRISBANE STRIKE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 437, 7 February 1912, Page 5

BRISBANE STRIKE.

GENERAL STRIKE THREATENED

I3y Teloiiriipli.— I'ixb* Association. C'o]i.\ ri;:ln Brisbane, Monday.

It is stated that the Strike Committee is discussing the question of ;i general Btrike throughout Australia. This is borne out by a statement matin in Melbourne by tho president of the Australian Tramway Employees' Anno ciation, that if it were unseltli d at the end of next week not a hi wheel would go round in any of Uin tramway services in tho varioun States, and that it would also extend to the New South Wales railway novice, and Waterside Workers anil Federated Workers' Association.

He added that a meeting of Adelaide tramwaymen would be held to-day to consider the, question of wearing badges, Wliich was not yet done. He believed it would result m adopting badges, thus securing an extension of tha Btrike to another Slate, and necessitating the intervention of the Arbitration Court.

TRAMS RUNNING WITH NONUNIONIST CREWS.

A BIG UPHEAVAL. Brisbane, Monday. The tramcara started running at three different points in Brisbane at noon to-day. A hundred experienced tramway men and 150 novices are employed. All are armed.

Large crowds of armed men guard ;he line of route. The crowds cheered ;he cars.

Numbers of bushmen have reaclnd the city, and are volunteering their services as special constables. Altogether the Police Commissioner him a force of 30.00 men to guard the city. The strikers are evidently cowed. Premier Denham's action in start oj!. tho trams came as a surpiriae to them. They had not anticipated it till tomorrow.

The Prnmier conferred with the heads of the police this morning. wheti arrangetnontH were completed for starting the tramcars. The iirnt cars were mostly filled with Kperial constables. It was asserted that MiBadger, manager of the Tramway Company, rode in one, but thin ho denies.

The city presents the appearance «>!' a siege. Semi-military camps have been formed in the Government Domain and the Botanical Gardens, which are dotted with tents and h-nj: horse lines.

The drilling of special constables wth batons and of the mounted police in sword exercise is in fuil swine;. Strong squads are parading the streets.

A number of motor cars have been placed at the disposal of the Government to be utilise by the police m the event of emergency calls. Posseß of special constables are guarding the Premier's house. understood that the police have taken this precaution owing to alleged threatß against Mr Denham, but the latter objected to the presence of the guard, declaring that ho was all right. The Strike Committee held frequent, meetings to-day, and it is rumoured that tho outcome is likely to bu farreaching.

IN THE EVENT OF SHOOTING

Sydney, Tuesday

A meeting of the United Labourers' Protective Society decided, in the event of any of the Brisbane strikers being shot down, to support a general strike of all workers of Australia.

NEW PROBLEM PRESENTED,

Received February 7, 9.15 a.m. Brisbane, This Day

The Employers' Federation meeting arrived at an understanding presenting a new problem to promoters of strikes in future. Details ure not disclosed.

GENERAL STRIKE ADVOCATED. The Strike Committee is endeavouring to involve the western district in a general Australian strike. Business, however, is steadily resuming. Despite the intense heat, employers are working on the wharves and elsewhere, assisted by employees, all being guarded by special constables.

CONFERENCE SUMMONED. Melbourne, This Day,

Mr Higgins, president of the Arbitration Court, granted an application for a compulsory conference in connection with the Brisbane strike. Next Tuesday representatives will be summoned to meet.

The president of the Victorian Tramway Employees' Asociation, declared that if the Brisbane Tramway Company defeats the union a motor omnibus company will be run, and all unionists will boycott the tratriß. The Australian Workers' Union Conference voted a thousand pounds to the Brisbane strike. A CALL FUR ASSISTANCE. Brisbane, This Day.

The Strike Committee has cabled to Kngland, France, Germany, and the United States for assistance. MOB VIOLENCE AT TOVVNSVILLE. Two policemen at Townsville. in arresting a drunlcen man, was attacked by a mob of five hundred. They drew their batons and charged the mob, which dispersed but later renewed the attack.

An inspector appeared and the crowd pelted tho police with stones wounding all the officers. The inspector drew his revolver, causing an instant scatter.