Australian Strikes Persist

Chronicle (Levin), 3 July 1946, Page 5

Australian Strikes Persist

Press Assn.

thousands dismissed daily

By Telegraph

- Copyright

Iieceived Tuesday, 7 p.m. JBRISBANE, July 2. Hopes of an early settlement of the meat and coal strikes at the compulsory conference presided over by the Premier, Mr. Iianlon, were not greatly enhanced by the disenssions yesterday but the talks are continned today in a brighter atmosphere. Meantime preparations are proceeding for the secret ballot of the men on the qnestion of the resumption, which will take ten days to complete. Full eftects of the power restrictions are now being felt and the novelty of the experience is being repia ced by pnblic anger. Thousands being dismissed each day are seeking nnemployment : sustenance. About 25,000 were putj off in the past week, losing ; £125,000 a week in wages. Be-| cause of dim-out retail stores are| closing up to tfvo hours earlier than usual and it is estimated the daily turnover of each big store has dropped £2000. Brisbane is a city of gloom at liight with lights out at nine o'clock for dances. Night wed-j dings are being conducted with; the aid of hurricane lamps andl candles. Cafes are finding it difficuit to provide meais. The trams, with 50 per eent. cut! in the sprvices, have enough coal! I'or another fortnight. There is no i talk yet of further restrictions inj power although the saVings with! llie present euts are helow esti- ' mates.