PETONE IN STRIKE TIME.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1916, 26 November 1913, Page 8

PETONE IN STRIKE TIME.

HOTELS PROFIT. Business is still dull in tho Hutt Valley, the influence of the striko being felt in all directions. Should tho weather keep fine for shearing, however, a start ivilr bo made shortly with tho killing season at tho Gear Company's -works, and this will naturally, improve matters. A few of the old drivers 011 strike nayo gono back to tho newly-formed union, and a number of new men have also joined. Members of tho new union have not been molested in any way, though persuasion has been tried without result.'

1 ho hotels liavo profited handsomely from the temporary closing of bars ill Wellington. On Monday night quite a crowd of the thirsty fraternity journeyed out to Petone for liquor ' The wool-scouring work's of Messrs. I' ii\ and Co.j nfc Petoup, ai*© spj*lously affected by the strike. The ehemiials necessary lor tlie work are in one 01 the vessels in the stream and therelore unobtainable al present. There is also a severe shortage of eoal. Altogether 30 of the. hands have been "temporarily paid oil'. It is unlikely, however, that the works will close down altogether.

Fear lysis expressed by the T'ofone J!ormi.!;'!i Kiitiinrjoi- at a recent mwi.in~ o! I lie council that should tlio stock of comcnt continue In diniinisli and sunplies 1»! not available, tim s6«!igo works would have to dose down: Fortunately supplies of cement are now to band and the works are again in lull swing,