THE SITUATION WORSE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11750, 10 February 1919, Page 5

THE SITUATION WORSE.

CURIOUS SCENES IN THE CITY THE STRIKE STORM TRAVELLING London, Feb 8 The strike situation is growing worse. Fog and snow, which have converted the roads into slushy mud, are increasing the public discomfort. The latest strikes, the SouthWestern and London-Brighton, effect lines serving the most populous residential suburbs of Greater London. It is impossible to tell where tbe strike storm will burst next. The Great Western drivers and firemen in the Plymouth district are striking in sympathy with the Soutn-West-erners. There is nc indication of the electricians wavering in their decision to strike to-night, despite the Defence of the Realm Act regulation making it an offence for electrictians to stop work. The electricians have already received the forty-seven hours’ weak for which they asked, and frankly state that they are striking in order to help the men who are failing on the Clyde. There were curious scenes during the rush to the city. Military lorries perambulated the streets in the affected districts. City men, faultlessly attired, fashionable •tfomen, and well dressed girls scrambled into the lorries and stood tightly packed alongside workmen in corduroys. Tbe strikers at Wimbledon endeavoured to hold up tbe motor lorries bringing Government employees to town. Tbe driver of the leading lorry, wearing the Mona

ribbon, threatened to run down any Bolshevik who came his way. The effect was instantaneous. The strikers fell back, amid cheers from the onlookers.

The strikers are interfering with demobilisation, and hundreds of soldiers on leave from France are held up at Victoria and Waterloo, and have the greatest difficulty in finding board and lodging. The Home Secretary has taken adequate steps to insure the metropolis electricity supplj-. The Tube strikers’ attempts to iuoive the omnibus ana tram employees were hitherto rebuffed.

Sir A. Stanley had a six hours’ interview with Mr Bromley, secretary and other representatives of the locomotive enigueers. Mr Horne attended.

Sir A. Stanley, during the adjourmneut, consulted Cabinet, and Me Bromley subsequently said that no definite decision had been reached, and everything was hanging in the air for a few hours, but plans for the extension of the strike were developing.

THE LABOUR COMMISSION

Paris, February 8

Conferences of the Labour Commission further considered the proposed permanent internationl conference, and what representation should be given to the Governments as well as employers and workers. Tha Commission decided that women were equally eligible as men as delegates.