OTHER INDUSTRIES FEELING THE PINCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17837, 4 May 1926, Page 8

OTHER INDUSTRIES FEELING THE PINCH.

Reuter's Telegrams. LONDON, May 3. Already the effects of the strike arc. showing. Three big iron works at Motherwell. Glasgow, have closed owing to coal shortage. Others are following immediately. Owing to fear of a railway disturbance the British Advertising Convention was abandoned after a thousand delegates had gathered at Blackpool. It is understood that the railway employees cease work at, the end of the night service this evening. Trams and buses will not be worked on Tuesday. The Great Western Railway Company appealed to employees asking them not to break their contracts by striking without notice. The “Daily Herald” says that in all newspaper offices the printers are watching closely what is being said about the crisis.

Hyde Park was closed at midnight for the purpose of assembling lorries in connection with the distribution of milk in the London area. The price of milk has been increased by sixpence to eightpence a gallon. If it is necessary to use road transport, arrangements will be made to call up special constables. A battalion of the Cheshire Regiment has arrived at Cardiff, but no troops will be moved to the coal fields unless the emergency arises. The Atlantic Fleet, which .was due to leave Portsmouth on Tuesday for summer exercises, is awaiting the Admiralty's orders.

Newspapers generally point out that a general strike is not a new experiment. It has been tried and always failed. They emphasise that four million trade unionists are arraying themselves against more than forty million of the general community. The Government’s preliminary arrangements for the distribution of supplies is already operating. It is stated on behalf of the Government that food conditions are normal and there is no need for anxiety on the part of the public, still less for anything in the nature of a panic. If they loyally carry out the Government’s regulations in regard to food, coal, petrol and other essential supplies, and do not attempt hoarding, their comfort and convenience will be safeguarded. In the event of the newspapers ceasing publication the Government will keep the public informed by means of wireless and bulletins posted at Town Halls and Post Offices. The coal crisis unfortunately coincides with the All British Shopping Week, opening on May 3. Hundreds of shops throughout England are specialising in Empire products, including ten and a half miles of shop windows in London specially dressed. The organisers, nevertheless, are of opinion that everyone will do his best to support the venture.