MELBOURNE STRIKE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18435, 15 June 1920, Page 7

MELBOURNE STRIKE.

FIGHT TO A FINISH.

APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian ».nd N.Z. Cable Association. MELBOURNE, June 14. The Premier, in appealing to tho public, intimated that the strike would bo fought to an end. No section would bo permitted to dislocate industrial services.

Cold storage meat, valued at £1,500,000, ia exposed to destruction, owing to the withdrawal of electricity for refrigerating purposes. MELBOURNE, June 14. Mr Justice Higgins, failing to effect a compulsory conference, stated that tho Gas Union had sought increases from the companies, which agreed to an increase of Is a day. This, in addition to Is increase in December, made 12s increase weekly since May 1. The union wanted another shilling, but the companies refused to give it. Unskilled labourers were offored 18s u. day, hut on latest statistics he, if making an award, would not feel justified in proscribing bo much.

CITY IN DARKNESS,

A FUEL SHORTAGE.

ANXIETY FOR SEWERAGE SYSTEM. (Received Juno 14, 10.50 p.m.) MELBOURNE. Juno 14

The city is almost in total darkness. Flares are being used on the railway stations and hurricane, lamps in public buildings. Congregations in the churches yesterday were exhorted from the pulpits to bring their own lights. A limited supply of electricity is available, but not sufficient to enable factories to carry on. Volunteer workers at the gasworks aro engaged getting up a supply. Coal and coke at the gasworks have been declared "black," and may not be removed.

The trouble may extend to the trains, as owing to the employment of a nonunionist driver on 0110 service, the men threaten to ceaso work. It also is probable that the wharf labourers will refuse- to handle coal for the gasworks. Tito electric tram services wore suspended, thousands of people having to walk to work.

The great fear at present is for the sewerage, if the engineers of this service carry their threat into execution and cease work.

The dismal outlook is mad© worse hy a fuel shortage, mid steady rain which set in yesterday.

TROUBLE MAY SPREAD. FEARS IN SYDNEY. SYDNEY. June 4. Dark clouds are rooming on the industrial horiKon, and anything may happen in the next day or two owing to Melbourna coal being declared "black," but union officials are doing their best to prevent a catastrophe. -