LABOUR MATTERS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1689, 4 March 1913, Page 5

LABOUR MATTERS.

MIDLAND RAILWAYMEN. CASE FOR THE COMPANY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, March 3. The Midland Railway dircotors explain that Guard Richardson, in January, refused to' add threo wagons to a train, olaiming that it was contrary to the printed instructions. Tho Control Offico told him the instructions had 'been altered on Novembor 21. He still refused His attitude was offensive. Ho .told tho foreman that ho cared nothing for him or tho peoplo giving instructions. He told tho directors ho would refuso to obey tho genoral manager if liis verbal orders conflicted with the printed directions. The directors add that tho instructions of November in no way contravened tlio Board of Trade's rules. It was obvious that tho oontrol of the system would be brought to a standstill if the others adopted Richardson's standpoint. STRIKE WITHOUT NOTICE. (Rec. March 3, 10.20 p.m.) London, March 3. Mr. J. H. Thomas, M.P., at tho railwayman's meeting at Leeds, said that tho strike, to bo national, must begin without notice in order that the companies be given no time to proparo for the fight. GENERAL STRIKE FAVOURED. London, Maroh 2. Crowded meetings of railway mon in London, Leeds, Derby, and elsewhere have demanded the reinstatement of Guard Richardson. The meeting favoured a general strike. Speakers denounced the Midland Railway Company's systematic victimisation. NEWSPATER OFFICE STORMED. New York, March 2. Six thousand garment workers 6tormed the officos of the Jewish daily paper "Forward" because of an editorial advocating the settlement of tho strike without tho recognition, of the union. The windows of the office were wrecked. Tho editors escaped down an alleyway. The police had difficulty in suppressing the riot, and many wero hurt. STATISTICS OF A STRIKE. London, March 2. • The taxi-cab strike has already cost tho companies <£22,000. The drivers have lost i! 74,000 in wages. Tho reduced sale of potrol has cost tho suppliers .£50,000. STRIKE CAUSES WHEAT TO FALL. * (Roc. March 4, 1.10 a.m.) Sydnoy, March' 3. In consequence of tho wharf labourers' strike at Darling Island leading ito congestion, wheat has dropped a penny per bushel. ANTICIPATING A STRIKE. (Eoo. Maroh 3, 8 p.m.) Brussels, March 3. In view of a strike tho Government has contracted, for 150,00? tons of coal for the State railways to bo delivered before April 11. Mr. J. H. Thomas is a native of Nowport. He commenced work as errand boy at nine years of age, and four years later entered the service of tho Great Western Railway Company as ,an enjn no-cleaner. He was elected president of tho Newport Trades Council when only 21.