SUGAR WORKERS’ STRIKE

Otago Witness, Issue 3829, 2 August 1927, Page 29

SUGAR WORKERS’ STRIKE

ACT OF LAWLESSNESS. WOMEN TAKING PART. BRISBANE, July 26. As a cane train was entering South Johnston a large number of strikers, who had taken up .positions at the rear of ■■ building, stoned the train crew, consisting of the engine driver, the fireman, and two farmers. Although many of the missiles hit the engine, none of the crew was struck. A little farther on two large stones had been placed on the line. Female sympathisers with the strikers are taking an active part against the train crews. Farmers allege that members of the Police Force were in the vicinity white the stone-throwing was in progress, but that no action was taken to apprehend the men responsible. The mill director says that the stonethrowing incidents are of almost daily occurrence. The mill mangement has been informed that in accordance with the Trades and Labour Council’s decision ro meat will be available for them in future. The bread supply has also been cut off, but arrangements have been made at the mill to bake for the requirements <-f the employees. RAILWAY MEN HANDLE GOODS. BRISBANE, July 28. The Innisfail branch of the Australian Railwaymen's Union decided by 52 votes to 3 to carry on and to handle goods for the South Johnstone Mill. It is understood that the resolution holds good until tho Australian Workers’ Union definitely asks that no goods shall be carried. The decision is regarded as a repudiation of the resolution arrived at by the Innisfail Trades and Labour Council to declare “black” the mill and the farmers. The Australian Workers’ Union decided to impose a levy of 12} per cent, of the wages of all members to assist the strikers. A number of strikers have been served with summonses by the police for various offences, ranging from obscene language and creating disturbances to upending railway trucks.