The Lyttelton Times. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1903.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CIX, Issue 13127, 15 May 1903, Page 4

The Lyttelton Times. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1903.

* The Secretary of tli9 Victorian Railway Engineers' Society admits that eight men have returned 'to work. He and the other leaders deny any considerable defection in the Tanks. Though the Victorian Government has decided not to listen to any proposals for arbitration or conciliation, it is understood that if the engine drivers declare 'the strike oU soon' it will be inclined to be magnanimous.

The President of the Victorian Engine Drivers' Society states that it has been decided that at present -there is no necessity for calling 'the signalmen out. The way in which the. service is being run renders them useless, therefore it is unnecessary for them to strike.

The strikers continue to receive many messages of sympathy 'and monetary assistance from all parts. Foreign Consuls have complained to the Turkish Government against the huddling of 772 prisoners in the Salonika fortress. ■ Tho Albanians at Jakova informed Shakir Pasha that ahey were loyal to the Sultan, but considered the reforms were contrary to the Koran, which forbade infidels to bear arms or try Moslems. It is alleged in some quarters that tho Sultan's pacificatory commission instigated these statements. The industrial struggle in New York has been intensified by the.master builders agreeing to reject material from firms employing Union dray drivers. Tho strikers at Valparaiso burned the quays and the South American Steamship Company's offices. Ten strikers were killed and two hundred, injured in a. conflict with the police. The Victoria™ Legislative Assembly was ,oceupied yesterday in considering the Bill introduced by tho Premier in connection with the railway strike. Its provisions are very drastic, and there is a feeling both in Parliament and outside that some of ihem will have to be toned down. The strike leaders say that "it will take a fortnight to get the Bill through the HouS'S.