THE GAS STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1693, 8 March 1913, Page 5

THE GAS STRIKE.

VOLUNTEER CAS WORKERS. EXCITING STREET SCENE. ' COLLEGE YOUTHS HECKLED. A PARTIAL GAS SERVICE. By Telegraph—Prc6s Association—Copyright (Rec. March 8, 11.5 p.m.) Sydney, March 7. A dozon Technical College youths, wlio volunteered to assist in making gas, marched four deep to 'the Kent Street Gas Works, where eight hundred strikers woro waiting to receive tho wages due to them. At first tho youths were merely hooted, but when they turned down tho Gas Lithe they were assailed with streams of beer from the adjacent hotel. Tlio boys found that they had -gono to tho wrong gate, so they marched back the same route, followed by a jeering and excited crowd, including a number of women. As t'he' boys reacliod George Street, there wtro cries of "Down with, them," and they 'were surrounded. One was struck on 'the "jaw, but the presence of a solitary constable did something to check the hecklers, who were now , all iyou'ths. A 'number of plain clothes constables' appeared .oil tho scene, and bundled tho youths into a passing tram. A partial gas service was available in the city from 5 to 10 o'clocki to-night. If tile strike is not settled by to-mor-r.ow there is somo probability, that tho. employees of catering and butchering firms, li-ho contracted to supply meals to the free! labourers, will refuse to' do tlio work connected with tho supplying of these meals.

A conference of seven representatives on each side sat all the afternoon. Messrs. M'Gowen, Flowers,. Carmichael, and Edden, members of the Ministry, were present. "BACK ON OUR OWN TERMS" PEACE WITH HONOUR. Sydneyj March 7. The Secretary of the Labour Council, in view of the important negotiations today, 'was asked, in the : interests of tho men ami all concerned, that the matter be left in abeyanco. 1 He added: "If tho strike is not amicably settled very shortly thero will bo serious trouble, which will lead to chaos and a repetition of what happened during the Brisbane strike." The secretary of the Gasmen's Union, supporting this statement, declared: "If there is going to be a. settlement we are going back with- peace with honour, and it will be on our own terms, and not otherwise. The matter is in good ' and cttpablo hands, and I am sure the union will como out on top." In the event of a settlement not being reached to-day, the Labour Council will meet to-morr6w afternoon and decide what action will bo taken. Prior to the representatives waiting on tho Premier to-day, a mass meeting of strikers will bo held. LORD MAYOR'S' EXPERIENCE. Sydney, March 7. Speaking of his experience as a stoker, the Lord .Mayor (Mr. A. A. 'C. Cocks) declares: "It is ho child's play, and I should say that if the men actually receive only Bs. per day thero is reasonable margin ■for consideration .of on.increaso." •. - Tho Lord Mayor does not think the public would object in the slightest, and would recogniso tho reasonableness of paying ttn extra twopence for gas if by so doing the men's demand for 9s. could be concedcd. Emulating tho Lord Mayor, some of the suburban Mayors have offered their services as volunteers. The volunteer list includes banking officials, merchants, brokers, and many others whoso hands, like thoso who have already tried it, are likely to bear scars owing to the, unaccustomed labour. PREMIER'S INTERVENTION. OUTLOOK' BRIGHTER. Sydney, March 7. The outlook for a settlement of the strike is regarded as brighter. Negotiations between the Government and the representatives of the men were reopened late last night. '

: Mr.' Carmichael (Minister for Labour) stated that letters had been sent to both' sides asking them to meet in the Premier's room this afternoon to discuss the situation. Mr. Carmichael declared that there was no doubt but that both sides would lespond to the Premier's invitation. In viow of this development the Labour Council has postponed its discussion of the strike. FREE WORKERS ATTACKED. RESCUED BY BLUEJACKETS. Sydney, March 7. Tho first signs of Tescntinent by strikers to the free -labourers and volunteers is reported. Two men while in the vicinity of the Kent Street works were roughly handled, and some stones were thrown, one man being struck on the head and injured. Bluejackets in one instance and police in the other came to the rescue. CONTRACT WORKERS' STRIKE. Sydney, March 7. As an outcome of the strike, tho North Sydney Council has adopted an agreement with a company to electrically light the "borough. Tho nion engaged on contract work nt the Australian Gaslight Company's Mortlake works hare struck, objecting to the presenco of free labourers. Several unions have resolved to financially assist the strikers if necessary. THE LATEST. . STRIKE ENDED. MEN RESUME WORK TO-DAY. (Rec. March 8, 0.10 a.m.) Sydney, March 7. The gas strike has ended. A settlement was rcached by the conference, but the terms have not been revealed. Work will be resumed at all gasworks at 2 o'clock to-morrow afternoon.