MASS MEETING OF STRIKERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9301, 30 July 1908, Page 1

MASS MEETING OF STRIKERS.

MEN ADDRESSED BY THE COMMISSIONERS. United Press Association—By Electrio Teiegraph-^Copyrighi SYDNEY, July 29. A mass meeting was held in the Centenary Hall. About 1800 strikers were present. The Press was excluded. The meeting lasted several hours, and the proceedings at times were stormy, fhe speakers, besides the strike leaders, included representatives of several other Unions and the Trades Hall and some labour members. Reports of the negotiations up to last night were dealt with. The statement that the department was taking back old hands at a minimum wage of 6s 6d a day, irrespective of their previous positions, led to the Executive being *ent as a deputation to the Commission ore, to find out the truth or otherwise of the report. The Chief Commissioner informed the deputation that tKe reinstated men would not suffer either in wages or privileges by striking. At the request of the deputation, Commissioners Johnson and Richardson attended the mass meeting. Mr Johnson, addressing the meeting, was well received. H© advised the men to return to work, promising that he alone would deal with the few who are not to be reinstated. After the departure of The Commissioners a long discussion ensued regarding the terms of reinstatement. It is understood that the iypeakere on. one hand represented that other Unions, including the miners, wharf labourers and coal lumpers, would support the strikers, while on the other hand the president of the Tramway Association and members of the Labour Party advocated peace, and the acceptance of the terms offered*. It was officially stated that a vote in favour of continuing the strike was carried by a majority of five to one. Meantime, however, a considerable number had left the hall.