STRIKE AFTERMATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19328, 15 May 1926, Page 11

STRIKE AFTERMATH

TRADE DISORGANISED. i TRANSPORT NOT NORMAL KAILWAYMEN STILL IDLE. MOKE HOPEFUL FEELING. COMPLETE SERVICES SOON. COAL NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN. By Telegraph— Press Association—Copyright. (Received 10.30 p.m.) A. and N.Z. LONDON. May 14. There has been delay in the resumption of the normal activities of the country following the settlement of the general strike and many workers have not resumed, hut there are good prospects that the dislocation everywhere will bo brought to an end in a few days. A bombshell fell yesterday when it was Announced that the railwaymen had decided to remain on strike. The dockers at the ports are still on strike and many forms of transport remain disorganised. London this morning began another day without normal transport facilities, though a more hopeful atmosphere prevails owing to the fact that "conferences are proceeding in all industries with a view to the resumption of activities. Mr. E. Bevin, president of the Transport and General Workers' Union, interviewed, said that while there was certain friction regarding the taking back of the men there were good prospects of the strike everywhere ending in a few days. No Newspapers Yet. Industry is still virtually being carried ion by volunteers, and Londoners are amazed to find transport of all kinds still in control pf volunteer labour, specials still accompanying buses and still, patrolling the streets. The only noticeablo difference in the London streets from the last nine days is the appearance' of taxis. There are groups of downcast workers throughout the city discussing the situation. Fleet Street is still inactive There was no appearance of the usual morning papers to-day, and there were 110 evening papers yesterday. Notices are posted up at the offices announcing that strikers will not be engaged until there is a written guarantee from the union that, there will be no further interference with the policies of papers. The Government's emergency measures are still operative. Food is still being convoyed to the depots and Hyde Park is utilised as a milk depot. / I Transport Unsatisfactory. Then late yesterday afternoon came the bombshell that the railwaymen had decided to remain on strike. The populace was perplexed at this new turn in the situation, especially after the high spirits I of the previous evening, when it was believed that (he way was paved for the earliest return to normal conditions. Cabinet met early to discuss the un- , expected railway situation. There is a ' disposition among members to consider that the Government could not interfere between employer and employed, but it is regarded as very probable that a further appeal may be made on the lines of the Primo Minister's speech suggesting that employers should act generously. The position of transport workers is more or less unsatisfactory. No strikers attended the Victoria, Albert or King George docks, having been instructed to remain out until definite instructions are given to resume.

This applies to tlie docks practically everywhere. The general position at Hull is regarded as unchanged, 30,000 still being on strike there. Only a few strikers returned at Glasgow, where there is some resentment at the calling oft of the general strike. The proprietors of four Glasgow newspapers announce that only non-union labour will in futuro be employed. Meanwhile volunteers are carrying on the majority of services. Many Workers Idle. The resumption of work is only partial at Manchester and elsewhere. Thero is a general tendency all over the provinces on the part of tramwaymeri and dockers not to resume. At Liverpool employers posted the following notices: "Dockers may return <.n Friday at the old wages." The council of the Trades Union Congress telegraphed to all unions declaring that it was imperative that all agreements and understandings existing before tho strike should be maintained. They also drew attention to the advice of Mr. Baldwin that union representatives should meet Employers' Associations forthwith. The council despatched a message advising everybody to consult his union before entering into individual arrangements, adding: "Stick to your union." The council of the Trades Union Congress is remaining in session in order to keep momentarily in touch. The council is reviewing the whole position in order to preserve trades union standards and to ensure a peaceful resumption of industry. COAL NEGOTIATIONS. PREMIER MEEtS THE MINERS. SEEKING BASIS OF SOLUTION. 'Received 11 p.m.) Reuter. LONDON. May ]3. The first step toward the resumption of the coal negotiations was taken this evening. The Trime Minister, Mr. Baldwin, conferred with the miners' executive at Downing Street, after which it was officially stated that the meeting hud adjourned after a general discussion of the position. It is learned that the Prime Minister "will meet tin coalowners to-morrow, and also that he will probably meet the miners' executive again in tho afternoon. It is understood that the executive will in tho morning consider Sir Herbert Samuel's memorandum, which is believed to contain the germs of a basis for a solution of the problem.