CITY IN DARKNESS.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXXI, Issue 4131, 16 June 1920, Page 2

CITY IN DARKNESS.

VOLUNTEERS AT GASWORKS.

TRAMWAYS SUSPENDED.

MELBOURNE, June 14

In consequence of the gas workers' strike the city is almost in total darkness. Flares are being used at railway stations and hurricane lamps in public buildings. Congregations in the churches yesterday were exhorted from the pulpits to bring their own lights. A limited supply of electricity is available, but not sufficient to en« able the factories to carry on work. Volunteer workers at the gasworks are engaged in getting up a supply of gas. The coal and coke at the gasworks have been declared "black" and may not be removed. The trouble may extend to the cable tramway services as owing to employment of a non-unionist driver on one service, the men threaten to cease work. It is also probable that the wharf labourers will refuse., to handle coal for the gas works. The electric tramway services have been suspended and thousands of people are having to walk to work. The great 'fear at present is for .the sewerage service, as the engineers employed in this department are threatening also to strike. A dismal outlook is made worse by a shortage of fuel, and a steady rain set in yesterday.