THE SYDNEY STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13814, 29 July 1908, Page 7

THE SYDNEY STRIKE.

SIGNS OB' SUBMISSION.

DESERTIONS FROM THE RANKS fi

GOVERNMENT'S FIRM STAND. ,

By Telegraph Association.—Copyright. (Received July 28, 10.5 p.m.) Sydney, July 28. Strike matters are quiet, and the fears of a general call out have given place to the expectancy that the trouble is nearing the end. ■ :

The strong stand taken by the Government, while at the same time offering the olive branch, has had an undoubted effect. Then, • too, the weather' has been; an. unfavourable factor in the men's cause. Another day of drenching rain, which to-night shows no indications of cessation, prevented anything in the shape of public demonstrations, and helpe* 1 to damp the: enthusiasm of strikers congregated at the Trades Hall and in the vicinity of the various tramsheds doing picket duty.

Though the big majority declare their determination to stand by the leaders, they, admit that there have been desertions. The tramway authorities are besieged with applicants, and have withdrawn the notices asking outsiders to apply. They state that so many men sought reinstatement to-day that there is no further need of outsiders.

NO VICTIMISING.

REQUEST BY LABOUR LEADER.

PREMIER MAKES NO PROMISE. ;

(Received July 28, 10.45 p.m.)

Sydney, July 28.

When the Legislative Assembly met this afternoon Mr. McGowen (Leader of the Labour party) asked Mt. Wade, the Premier,';-: * if the strikers returned to work would he give instructions that there should be ncj; victimising of them for striking. Mr. Wade said the question was one for

the Chief Commissioner to decide, but the men could trust to his good faith and sense of justice. w. .'.... He would give an assurance that there would be no wholesale victimising. At the same time the claim of those who had remained loyal must be recognised. The Commissioners must us» their own discretion in refusing: to employ any man who was believed to be disloyal tc the Government, or likely, to exercise au injurious effect on discipline.

LOYAL ; EMPLOYEES.

FUND FOR THEIR REWARD.

(Received July 29. 12.40 am.)

Sydney, - July 28.

A loyalty fund has been promoted by the president of the Employers' TJnioi? and chairman of the Stock Exchange to reward the tramway men who stuck to their duties. Already over £800 has been subscribed.

THE MEN IN CONFERENCE.;

* MORE HOPEFUL OUTLOOK. : , (Received July 29, i.B a..m.J . ■<■ «— - SVDNKT, July 28. Mr, McGow.cn is to-night conferring with the .strike leaders at the Trades Hall. Meantime Parliament is marking t imey- on the censure debute, awaiting hi» return with decision regarding the strike. Thijre are persistent rumour* that it is likely to be declared off to-morrow.

Auckland ' EMPLOYERS' message.

■;i The following cable was yesterday fbrNvarded by the president, of the Auckland Employers' Association (Mr. D. Goldie) hi Mr. G. G. Wade, Premier of New South. '. Wales:,—"Regarding the -Sydney:- tram strike, the members- of the, Auckland Employers' Association desire to express their , very great appreciation of the attitude taken up by you in insisting upon the iaw being complied with before considering the supposed grievances. of the men.. We believe that your efforts-will result in a satisfactory settlement of the difficulty."

TRAMWAY FEDERATION'S APPEAL. The Tramways Employees' Federation is by advertisement Urging the tramway . workers of New Zealand - to refrain - from seeking employment in the Sydney tramways service during the present trouble. V