End Further Off Than Ever

Chronicle (Levin), 24 October 1946, Page 5

End Further Off Than Ever

Press Assn.

MELBOURNE'S DIFFICULTIES

By Telegraph

,-Gopyrignt

Received Wednesday, 11.15 p.m. MELBOURNE, Oct. 23. Melbpnrne today liad its tliird day of tlie raii and tram strike with hopes of settlement further oif than ever. The principal event was a march of 6000 strikers through the city to the Yarra River hank/Wnere a meeting -passed resolutions that the strike continue until all demands are granted. A section of the meeting expressed hostility to the continuance of the strike and submitted a motion that the dispute he referred to the Trades Hall Council. This was strongly opposed by Mr. J . J. Brown, Communist secretary of the Australian Railways Union anu rejected hy a large majority. Gas is to be drastically rationed from midnight and may cease altogether in a day or two unless coal is unloaded. The strikers are malcing determined eft'orts to involve the employees of privately owned bus services, so far unsuccessliiily. Tomorrow the bus depots are being piclceted by strikers in an endeavour to persuade individual drivers to cease working, thus gradually paralysing the bus services. The strikers realise that the continuance of these buses is menacing prospects for the sue cess of the strike. Many eountry branclies of the Railways " Union, " while supporting the claims for improved conditions, are strongly agaiust strike tactics and have passed resolutions demanding that the union immediately negotiate to end the strike. Tlie Railways Commissioners

and Trainways Board are maintainmg their stand. * They will not negotiate until work is resumed. The Prime IMinister, Mr. Chifley, flew to Mleibourne this afternoon, conferring with tlie Premier, ALr. Cain. An important announceinent is expected tomorrow. It is thought possible Mr. Chifley will recoiiimend some relaxation of Avage pegging. City businesses are carrying on under difficulties and sull'ering serious losses. .Statt's are contimiing to arrive but there are few customers. The food suppliefj are satisfactory at present but serious shortages are expected soon if a settlement is not prompt. Many passengers for Melboume from West and Wouth Australia are stranded at Adeiaide wliere they are camping in railway carriages at Adeiaide station. They are obtaining nioals at the station cafetaria aiul showers in the waiting rooins. They will be stranded in Adeiaide until the strike ends.