STRIKES IN BRITAIN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13967, 28 September 1918, Page 7

STRIKES IN BRITAIN.

RAILWAYMEN RETURNING.

REALISATION OF A TRAP. A. and N.Z. LONDON, Sept. 26. Mr. J. H. Thomas, Minister for Labour, speaking at Cardiff, said: " Cabinet told me that it had accepted the men's challenge. Not a comma of the agreement would be altered, even if the whole union came out. Cabinet said it would discharge its duties as a Government, regardless of consequences or circumstances. If I were Prime Minister I would have done the same thing." Mr. Thomas added that food was rotting in the docks. His reference to the war position aroused loud cheers. He concluded : " Then 6how you believe in the war." The men were led into a trap, and now realise it. They are ashamed to walk the streets. Strikers are returning in South Wales and on the Great Western system generally. Some London strikers have returned, and it is expected that the resumption will be general t/ day. Mr. Thomas to-day tendered his resignation as general secretary to the National Union of railwaymen. He said dejectedly, that he had lost power as a leader, and felt that he was no longer able to guarantee the men's honour. He is very ill, and it is thought that he may not persist in his resignation. He states that he has been officially assured that there will be no victimisation. (Reed. 10.50 p.m.) LONDON. Sept. 26. The executive of the Railwaymen's Union passed an expression of confidence in Mr. J. H. Thomas, and asked him to reconsider his resignation when in _ better health. Mr. Thomas says his decision is final. THE SHIPYARDS TROUBLE PROMPT CABINET ACTION. A. and N.Z.-Reuter LONDON. Sept. 26. A statement from a reliable source regarding the strike of Clyde shipwrights and other shipyard trades, which has spread to Barrow and the East Coast of Scotland, says that the action of the men, who demand a minimum wage of £5 a week, is disavowed by their executives. Moreover, it is a repudiation of the undertaking by. the shipyards trades unions that no stoppages of work would be contained in the scheme to secure the utmost protection framed by. them I and their employers last ApriL As ship production is a most vital national necessity the Government must act promptly. The law provides three methods—enlisimfcnt in the army of those of military ago, prosecution of the ringleaders under the Defence of the Realm Act, and fining strikers by the Munitions Tribunal. Tho. decision of the Government will probably be announced shortly.