A LABOUR CRISIS.

Wairarapa Age, 7 May 1924, Page 5

A LABOUR CRISIS.

MELBOURNE TRAM STRIKE. “FIGHT TO A FINISH.” (Press Association—Copyright.) Melbourne, May 6.—Tfo trams were run yesterday, except on some of the electric circuits. The full effect of tho strike will not be felt till to-day, as yesterday was a holiday. The Railway Department ran many extra trains to cope with the traffic. An official of the Tramway Board stated that until the cable trams ceased, they were running continuously, except on Sunday mornings, for 36 years. A meeting of the 'Hamway Union adopted a resolution placing the matter in the hands of the Trades Hall Disputes Committee, and also favouring a fight to a finish. CONSTABLES CHASED. MOB DISPERSED BY POLICE. An ugly situation occurred in connection with the tramway strike, whfm two constables, who were passing a crowd which had congregated outside the Socialist Hall, were subjected to hooting and abuse. The constables, after being threatened by the crowd, turned ana maae on, with a large section of the mob in pursuit. They had gone about 100 yards when one of them turned and fired a revolver at the crowd. The cartridge was a blame one, but w had the effect of stopping trie pursuit. The incident appeared to put the crowd in an angry mood, and several street fights followed. Shortly afterwards a detachment of police arrived and dispersed the garnering. Two arrests were made. Many of tho crowd threatened the police who were making the arrests, but after some trouble the angry section was quelled. All troopers have been ordered to be ready for immediate action, and police leave has been cancelled. THE “BED FLAG.”

At an official reception in the Trades Hall, attended by leaders of the Labour movement, including members of Parliament, the loyal toast was submitted at the opening of the programme. In place of the National Anthem a verse from the “Red Flag” was sung, and many persons remarned seated. WATERFRONT TROUBLE. RE-MANNING HOBSON BAY. Sydney, May 6.—Fear is expressed that waterfront trouble is likely to develop on the Commonwealth liner Hobson Bay. The old crew finishes its time to-day, and a new crew is to be signed on. In the dispute over the steamers Katoomba and Karoola it is regarded as certain that the owners wirr not attempt to man tho ships unless guaranteed against further interference. — (P.A.) MORE HOPEFUL OUTLOOK. (Received 9.40 p.m.) Melbourne, May 6.—The conference of the Tramway Board, Trades Hall and tramway employees representatives discussed the strike. The outlook is now more hopeful. Cabinet has decided not to interfere as the Tramway Board is clothed with all the necessary authority to enforce discipline in its service and protest the public. The lack of trams to-day caused great inconvenience. The men to-night discussed the proceedings of the conference, which were not made publie.—(P.A.)