DISTRESS IN COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

Waikato Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 1555, 13 May 1903, Page 3

DISTRESS IN COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

CABLEGRAMS.

[per united press association] [bv elikctric tei.i«:iia?u —copyright]

AN UNFOUNDED REPORT. THE O'SULLIVAN EPISODE. Melbourne, May 12. To-day the suburban and country services both show a slight improvement on yesterday, nil the trains getting away fairly well oil time. Distress is already felt in some cf the country town owing to the shortage of provisions, und famine prices are ruling in a good many places. Persistent rumours that thero was a likelihood of the marine engineers joining the strike prove unfounded. In reply to inquiries the General Secretars' of the Australasian Institute of Engineers states that there is absolutely no truth in the rumours, and in any case such a proceeding would not be countenanced" by tbo Association during the present struggle. Sydney, May 12. The Premier says Mr O'Sullivan Ins been connected with labour for years, that naturally has sympathies went that direction, but whatever his expression of opinion, it did not bind the Government, which would observe strict neutrality. He wished to see that every man gets fair play. SECESSION FROM THE TRADES HALL. THE SIGNALMEN TO GO OUT. Melbourne, Ma> 12. Tho city presented a much more lively appearance to - day, and altogether a mor i hopeful feeling is prevalent. Tho action of the Daily Paid Union which, with the exception of the President and Secretary, to-day withdrew from the Trades Hall, is regarded on one hand as a severe blow to the strikers, and an indication that the men are weakening. On the other hand, the strike leaders declare themselves thoroughly satisfied with the position. The men are as firm and determined as ever. So far as they know, only one Government drivor went over to the strikers to-day. Tho chief interest centres in the meeting of Parliament. All needless formalities will be dispensed with, and business strictly confined to the discussion of railway matters. A strict limit will be enforced to the right of strangers to enter the precincts of the House. It is understood to-nigbt that the signalmen have decided to carry out their intention of striking. PRIVATE EMPLOYERS ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT. Melbourne, May 12. The secretary of the Engineers asserts that lots ef men told him a number of big employers arc forcing any man possessing, a knowledge of machinery to offer his services to the Railway Department on pain of dismissal. LATEST^ Melbourne, May 13. Last night tho timo given for the Executive of tho Railway Societies to withdraw from the Trades Hall or resign their positions expired. During the afternoon two members of the Amalgamated Societies wrote to the Commissioner intimating that they had obeyed the order to resign. Other eight members of the Executive remain. They wish the Executive officer of tho engineers, firemen, carriage builders, and two remaining officers of the daily paid union will be removed from the service. Developments in connection with the signalmen are anxiously awaited. They held a conference at midnight, and a definite plan of action was agreed upon, which iB bolieved will result in the signalmen ceasing work very shortly. (BY TELEGEAI'U—PRESS ASSOCIATION). Wellington, Last Night. The Wellington section of tho Australasian Federated Seamen's Union passed a resolution congratulating the Victorian railway iiien on the noble stand they had taken in order to maintain the liberty of the subject, aud pledging themsolves to do alt in their power to uphold the men.