CONDENSED CABLES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 10939, 13 May 1926, Page 1

CONDENSED CABLES.

NEWS FROM PAR AND NEAR. The Rig Strike. / The strike position in Britain continues unchanged, neither side making any overtures towards peace. Local riots are still occurring throughout the country, but these are attributed more to hooliganism than to the concerted action of the strikers. On the whole there is a remarkable absence of bitterness, and the conduct of the miners, according to the statement of a Government official, has been, exemplary, but the transport workers have been responsible for some disturbance. Moscow, however, is attempting to interfere. It has instructed British Communists to interfere with the transport of food supplies and ,in every way possible endeavour to create civil war. “Not a Picnic.”

In a speech at Willkvjden, the railwaymen’s secretary, Mr Cramp, said there was a feeling that the Railway Transport Unions were fighting their battle rather drastically. Even some of the workers were inclined to think the methods adopted woukli hurt their own class. Mr Cramp said it was not a picnic party. They might, and probably would, inconvenience some of their own comrades but the inconvenience must be borne. Referring to Mr Baldwin's recent speeches, Mr Cramp expressed the opinion that they were the utterances of a wellmeaning man, but he believed there had been sinister influences working behind Mr Baldwin, emanating from people desirous of crushing their workers.

Ireland Affected. The Trade Unfon Council requested the Irish Trade Unions not to allow the transport of food to England. Irish railwaymen refused to handle English mails (and, passengers’ luggage, and the dockers refused to berth the mailhoats. Further complications are feared as a result of the Irish railway companies enforcing the award and reducing the men’s wages 4s a week. Keturning to Work. Many strikers have seen the folly and danger of the stoppage and have returned to work. Some 10G.000 regular railwaymen are working in the four main groups. “The Times’’ adds that the strike has produced a deep impression throughout the world. The foreign Press pays a tribute to the Government’s and the people’s calmness and restraint. The opinion is widely expressed that the strike is bound to fail. French, German and American papers regard the Government’s vindication of authority as an issue vital to all Governments. The Italian Press claims that the strike shows Fascism’s superiority to democratic regime. The Soviet paper “Izve-stia,” describes the British Labour leaders as sheep. Strike ,Called.

Officials of the Marine Transport Industrial Union, which claims a membership of 25,000 throughout the world, has called .a strike to become effective at midnight on Sunday. The Union demands a fifteen dollars’ monthly wage increase, an eight-hour day, and. extra pay for overtime. The Marine Union expressed sympathy with the British marine workers, who are striking. The Union is affiliated with the Industrial Workers of the World.