CHAOS IN CITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21853, 16 July 1934, Page 9

CHAOS IN CITY

BUSINESS PARALYSED EXODUS OF POPULATION STORMIY LABOUR MEETING MODERATES OVER-RULED TENSENESS OF SITUATION '/. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received July 15, 6.35 p.m.) SAN FRANCISCO, July 14 After an all-day session, marked by most bitter controversy, San Francisco's organised labour voted for what is equivalent to a general strike to start at 8 o'clock on Monday morning. Actually each union was instructed to act individually, but in effect it will be the same'as if all had been ordered to move simultaneously. Many unions, in fact, notably that which operates the privately-owned tramways system, decided to effect a stoppage at 2 o'clock on Sunday morning. One by one others are expected to join. At least 50,000 men are out now. Probably the number will be increased to 75,000 by Sunday night and perhaps it will exceed 100,000 by the early part of next week. At the meeting of unions conservative elements urged a postponement of the general strike, but the radicals were in control and greeted the pro- / posal with resounding jeers. They voted almost universally for a general movement and hurled defiance at the city's business elements, who are adamant in their refusal to concede the longshoremen's demands, for which they have been striking for two months. - Isolation and Lack of Supplies

As the general strike decision became known almost unbelievable confusion and tenseness permeated the city. A general' exodus of the population, which was started yesterday, was intensified and literally thousands, mostly women and children, attempting to leave the city by the peninsula highways, were crowded into motor

vehicles. 1 All th« 3 railways and ferries also were crowded. Gradually throughout the day business came near to a standstill. The powerful Teamsters' Union has effected an almost air-tight blockade of the city./ Its strategy, which is working successfully, is to throw a picket-line across the peninsula from San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean, making an "island" of the city. No food lorries moved and many markets, hotels and cafes had to be closed. Signs were posted saying: "Closed for lack of supplies." The same difficulty enforced the closure of hundreds of petrol stations. Employment Halls Basis of Dispute The presidents of the Labour Board to-day virtually admitted their impotency to meet the crisis. Both sides have been begged, urged and pleaded with, to arbitrate but the stalemate continues.

The vastness of the strike has served to obscure the basic issue, which is the control of the longshoremen's hiring halls, or employment agencies. On other differences both sides have indicated their willingness to arbitrate, but on this lone issue both remain adamant.

Throughout to-day a declaration of martial law was expected at any moment, but no order came from the Governor of the State.

The highway police have been mobilised to facilitate the movement of foodstuffs, but as far as can be seen they are not yet functioning. Two thousand National Guards maintain their posts along the waterfront but liave not moved into the central sections, of the city.

The police have been equipped v, ith riot guns and are patrolling mterior sections, but apparently cannot fitop acts of violence which occur when attempts are made to move any lorry. Australian Leader of Strikers

In the early strike discussions the conservatives won something of a victory when"they defeated the militant Australian leader of the longshoremen, Bridges, for the rice-presidency of the general strike committee. However, he was elected a member of the committee and gained prestige with his followers when the general strike vote was carried.

■ln Oakland the traffic is paralysed as GO per cent of the workers "downed tools" early this morning.