GENERAL STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1351, 31 January 1912, Page 5

GENERAL STRIKE.

CHAOS IN BRISBANE. FOURTEEN THOUSAND MEN STOP WORK. SEQUEL TO TRAMWAY TROUBLE. Di TolezrapD-PreiJ As3oc!atlon-CoD7rlct>t (Rec. January 31, 0.15 a.m.) Brisbane, January 30. A general strike started in the city at six o'clock to-night, as a Bequcl to the tramway trouble* Negotiations proceeded throughout the day, and the Minister for Works had frequent interviews with the officials of ■the Tramway Company and the Australian Labour Federation up to the last moment. What faint hopes of a settlement existed were eventually dashed to the ground. When the call came thewhole of the unions represented at the Sunday conference responded. i The railwayman and others necessary to the carrying on of public institntions remain in. All other workers are out. It is estimated that altogether over 14,000 obeyed the ball. The city is simmering with suppressed excitement. Thousands of strikers are parading the streets, which strong detachments of mounted and foot police are patrolling. Everything is quiet at present. • Amongst the strikers are all the compositors of the "Daily Mail" newspaper, and over a hundred from the Governmont Printing Office. . The wharf labourers deserted the ships as they stood, and a number are held up partially loaded and unloaded.

A carrying company, anticipating a continuation of tho trouble, has suspended operations and sent its horses to grass. All day long the stores wero rushed with customers laying in stores. There is a tremendous demand for all classes of goods. THE ULTIMATUM. Brisbane, January 30. The secretary of tho combined unions last night issued an ultimatum to the effect that as no attempt has been made by the Ti'amway Company to settle the dispute, all members of the unions must cease work at six o'clock to-night. Indications point strpngly lo a general strike. ] A DENIAL. Brisbane, January 30. The Employers' Federation gives an unqualified denial to tho statement that it is backing the manager of the Tramway Company.