A FRESH PHASE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22443, 12 June 1936, Page 11

A FRESH PHASE

CHANGES IN FKANCE SOME STRIKERS RESUME ! OTHER DISPUTES BREAK OUT By Telegrap)*—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, June 10 As some of the strikers are gradually returning to work in France, interest is shifting to other features of the new Government's programme, notably to M. Auriol's bill to modify the Bank of France. This probably will result in the issue department being brought under Government control, which will ensurethat the bank will more freely lend to the Government. The Manchester Guardian's Paris correspondent says he considers that it becomes clearer every day that France is entering upon a new phase. Tired of three years of depression she considers that Conservatism and economic caution are played out and is prepared to engage in experiments regardless of danger. Psychologically, tire atmosphere has improved enormously. Hopo is replacing the widespread pessimism, even among employers. Large Number ol Idlers The textile interests in North France sent a deputation to the Prime Minister, M. Blum, urging that increased costs will necessitate export subsidies to enable tho industry to compete in colonial and foreign markets. Seventy thousand textile workers in the Roubaix and Tourcoing district will resume work to-morrow on a 10 per cent increase in pay. Other demands will be discussed when M. Blum's bill is passed. The northern miners are returning, but the drift to work is not yet general. Idlers, according to some estimates, number 900,000, including new strikers who are coming out owing to their trades unions being powerless. The latest "stay-in" strike is by employees of fashionable costumiers. Mannequins and midinettes sat in windows to-day chaffing passers-by. Also 3500 agricultural workers of the Scine-et-Oise stfuek, as well as stonemasons, market gardeners, florists, racing stable boys and Parisian charwomen. Employers Resist Wage Increases About 1850 strikers "occupied" the Schneider munition works at Havre. Strikers still have not evacuated the Citroen, Renault and Courtauld motor works.

The famous Blue Train ran again today. The employees of the French Line struck after the sailing of the Normandie at 11 a.m. However, this strike ended on the company acceding to the majority of the employees' demands. Many employers repudiate wage increases, declaring that the concessions will total 35 per cent when the 40-hour week and paid holidays are considered.

Parisian police are prosecuting shopkeepers for profiteering to an extent of 50 to 100 per cent when the food supply was menaced. Already 250 summonses have been issued. Lifeboatmen on the Seine are on strike. They erected placards forbidding people to jump into the water, adding, humorously, that while the strike lasts only mothers-in-law will be saved.