Sydney Strikes

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 270, 7 April 1913, Page 5

Sydney Strikes

; HAILWAYMEN AND MIXERS. ■ THE TROUBLE* SPREADING. By Cable— Press Assuciai.un —Copyright. . Sydney, April 5. A lengthy meeting of the Cabinet discussed the railway strike and the industrial position generally. At the elose. Ministers declared that there was nothing to communicate to the press. Mr. Carmichael, Minister of Labor, Spent many hours in consultation with Mr. Cann, the industrial Registrar, and the secretary of the Railway Association. Subsequently Mr. Carniiehacl stated that he thought there was a basis for a settlement, but it had not been placed before the men. He did not think the trouble would spread. 'The rumors that the Evelcigh and Alexandra shunters are out are incorrect. They have continued at work, but it is likely they will join the strikers. The inwards traffic at Redfern produce shed is unaffected. The responsibility of the railway authorities ceases on the arrival of goods from tin; country, and consignees, with the assistance of their own employees, are able to take delivery. The carters have not yet taken definite action, but ugly rumors are current. The Newcastle men have not, as was anticipated, come out vet. Thev held a meeting, and decided to Continue work. The executives of some unions warned their members that they may be called out at any moment, in sympathy with the railway men. A special urgent meeting of the Employers' Federation Executive is called for to-day to consider the crisis and to formulate methods of overcoming it. Some country towns are already suffering from want of supplies from .the city.

. In spite of Mr. Carmicliael's hopefu! view of a settlement, the indication" rather point to a spread of the trouble. Both sides are determined, while there is grave discontent in other branches of the railway service, and it is feared that the men employed in the railway parcel department will cease work unless a settlement is reached to-day. Chaotic conditions continue ill the Darling Harbor sheds, though perishable products and the milk supply are still being handled. v The Herald states that the Trades Hall decided to call out the wharf laborers, carters and cdal lumpers. The president of the latter union, however, declared that there was no prospect of members taking a hand to nip the Barrier strike, which was beginning to be seriously felt, and fodder was running short. Two sections of the amalgamated zinc works have been closed. The British mine has ceased breaking and handling ore. The Junction mine closes to-dav. this being due to the shortage of tracks to carry the ore.

The northern miners are taking a ballot to ascertain if the time is unfavorable for submitting their troubles to the Wages Board. Mr. Carmicliael's proposal to appoint a special court to deal with the situation is not favorably regarded.

PROPOSED ROYAL COMMISSION. STRIKERS' ORDERLY CONDUCT. Received 6, 5.5 p.m. Sydney. April 6. The railway strike has undergone little change. A meeting of the men last night discussed a new offer by the Government to appoint a Royal Commission to report on the whole situation, vlf this offer is accepted, the work of the Commission would be hurried, so that a settlement might be reached at the earliest possible moment. A meeting is called for tomorrow to further discuss the matter.

A meeting of the executive of the Employers' Federation discussed the position as affecting trade. Tt was resolved that in view of the loss caused to traders and the inconvenience to the public through the dislocation of the carrving branch of the railways a general meeting of the Federation should he held tomorrow, to urge on the - Government the ■necessity of immediately restoring the service.

A feature of this and recent strike* is the orderliness and good behaviour of the men. Though a special force of police is detailed for the strike areas, -their duties are purely nominal. RAILWAY STRIKE EXTENDING. GOODS DAMAGED BY STORM.. Received 7, 1.15 a.m. Sydney, April fi. An easterly spile, with soaking; rain, "has been raging for twenty-four hours, pncT still continues. Serious damage to the- goods left uncovered owing to the strike is likely. The shuntprs in the Eveleigli. Alexandria and Clyde yards have joined the strike. The guards of the goods trains threaten to come out unless nine who ■were suspended for rpfusing to do shunters' work are reinstated. It is rumoured that the parcels office employees will be out to-morrow.