RAILWAY STRIKE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10086, 27 September 1918, Page 5

RAILWAY STRIKE

EXTENDS IN BRITAIN DISRUPTION OF TRAFFIC. DRASTIC ACTION THREATENED. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, September 25. Though the strike situation was threatening yesterday afternoon, its sudden extension to-day was a. complete surprise to the authorities and the public, as it was believed that the recent generosity of the Government towards the railwayman was generally recognised. < The strike is almost wholly confined to the drivers and firemen, who continue to demand 10a advance, though their union has definitely accepted ss. Sir Albert Stanley announces that the Government has called upon the naval and military authorities to assist the railways to carry on the services necessary for the transportation of munitions ' and supplies, and says “the Government will not reopen negotiations with the strikers.” 'Die War Cabinet is determined not to alter the settlement reached last week, which the railwayman's representatives approved. It is officially stated that the Government takes a serious view of the strike, and is prepared to act drastically. Latest information is that practically the entire Great-Western system is affected, with small portions of the North-Western, South-Western, .and Midland. The Government feels sure it will, have the support oi the public and of loyal railwaymen, and is prepared to give the latter military protection if it is required. The strikers have "flouted the Government, the people, and their own representatives, completely ignoring the interests of the country. The men have been treated generously, and it only remains for the Government to see that their action does as little harm as possible. ■The London employees of the Great Western and North London railways have joined the strike, dislocating suburban traffic, many, workers being unable o reach their work. The storm centre is in South Wales, where there are 30,000 strikers. The same number of miners is idle in consequence. There is general condemnation of the strike by the rest of the community. ■ ■ - ■ . The railwaymen at Cardin nnd Carmarthen have decided . -to return .to work,.. pending a settlement... ... ... Many soldiers on leave are unable to return to the front, and thousands of munition workers in the Black Country are prevented reaching the Goods traffic has ceased. 220,000 WORKERS IDLE IN WALES. NORTH OF LONDON RAILWAYS CLOSED. Australian and N.Z, Cable Association. (Received September 26, 8.50 p.mj LONDON, September 25. It is estimated that 120,000 miners, 60,000 munition workers, and 40,WU steel workers are idle in Wale s alone. The strike continues to extend. Xne North of Loudon railways are entirely closed, and other suburban lines are badly hampered. There is a complete stoppage of traffic from Tilburv Docks. Troops are taking charge of the South Wales railways. The first four contingents of 600 arrived at Newport and were cheered. Mr J. H. Thomas, M.P., secretary to the Railway Servants’ Society, addressing a mass meeting of strikers at Cardiff, said: “You have shattered all our prestige and all fny influence. I will see this through, and then cease to be your general secretary.” CARDIFF MEN RETURN TO WORK. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received September 25. 9.65 p.m.) LONDON. September 25. A mass meeting of railwaymen at Cardiff unanimously decided to return to work immediately. < NOVEL WtsTilPlOIT AIRMAN GUARDS SIXTY HUNS”TC BRITISH LINES. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received September 26, 7.50 p.m.) < LONDON, September 25. A novel exploit is reported. Two British airmen opened fire on a body of Germans sheltering in a trench. The Germans hoisted the white flag. A pilot circling overhead at a low altitude shepherded sixty prisoners tc the British lines.