RAILWAY STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1717, 7 April 1913, Page 5

RAILWAY STRIKE.

DISCUSSED BY CABINET.

SPREAD OF THE TROUBLE

FEARED, QIAOS IN HARBOUR SHEDS. THE GOVERNMENT URGED TO RESTORE THE SERVICE. ——— i By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, April 5. A lengthy meeting Of Cabinet discussed tho railway striko, and the' industrial position generally. At tho close of the meeting Ministers declared that there was nothing to communicate to the press, i The Minister for Labour (Mr. Carmichael) spent many, hours in consultation with Mr. Cann (the Industrial Registrar) atid the secretary of tho; Railway Association. Subsequently, Mr, Carmichael stated that he thought there was a basis of a settlement, but it had' not been placed before the men. He did . not think the trouble would spread. Rumours.. Rumours that tho Eveleigh and Alexandra shunters aro out is incorrect. They still continue work, but are likely to join the strike. . Inward traffio at the Redfern produce sheds has not been affected, this portion of goods carriago not being immediately concerned in the strike, the responsibility of the railway authorities ceasing on arrival of goods from the country. Consignees, with the assistance of their own employees, are'able to take delivery. The carters havo not yet taken any definite action, but ugly rumours are current. The Newcastle men are not, as was. anticipated, yet out. ' They held a meeting and decided to continue work. Tho executives of some of tho -unions have warned members that they may be called out at any moment in sympathy with railway men. ■ . . A special: urgent meeting of the EmFederation Executive has been called for to-day to consider the Crisis, and devise methods for overcoming it. Country Towns Suffering. , - ( Somo of the country towns are already suffering from want of supplies from tho ■city. In spite of Mr, Carmichael's hopeful view regarding a settlement, the indications rather point to a spread of tho trouble. Both sides are determined, while there is grave discontent in other branches' .of the railway service. : It is feared the men employed in the railway, parcels department will cease work unless a settlement Is leached to-day. , ■ A chaotic' condition continues at the Darling Harbour sheds, though perishable products and the milk supply are still being handled. ' . Tho "Herald" states that the Trades Hall has decided to call out the wharf labourers, carters," and coal lumpers. The president of tho latter union, however, has declared that there is no prospect of. members taking a hand. ':