STRIKE OF RAILWAY EMPLOYES.

Evening Star, Issue 4106, 25 April 1876, Page 3

STRIKE OF RAILWAY EMPLOYES.

Christchurch, April 25. A strike occurred at the Christchurch Eailway Station this morning. The men having been working long hours of overtime during the grain season without extra pay, a deputation waited on the Government to urge the injustice of this. The Government replied that the men would he expected to work up to ten hours per day during times of pressure ; but if they had to work more than that, an allowance would be made for it next day—that is, the men would not have to go to work as early as usual. The men looked upon this as an indication that the Government wanted to introduce the ten hours a-day system, and at a meeting of the Eailway Employes Society last night it was resolved to strike. Consequently about two hundred men refused to go to work this morning, but as the engine-drivers and a few men in each department did not strike and men were easily obtained in Christchurch, there has been no stoppage of the trains and only a short suspension of work in the goods departments. The men on strike intend holding a public meeting to agitate their grievances. The Government strongly disclaim any intention to introduce the ten hours’ system, and say they merely expect the men to work up to ten hours per day in times of pressure, the same as on other railways.

Hokitika, April 25. Messrs Diedrick, Morgan, and Morrison, who have been missing from upper Hokotahi since Monday, were found by a search party on an island in the Hokitika river, twelve miles above Kanieri. Their boat had struck on a snag, and when they got ashore, they were six days almost without food.

Wanganui, April 25. A man named Shannon, for committing rape on his stepdaughter, twelve years’ old, has been sentenced to fifteen years imp isonment, and to receive thirty lashes. In the Supreme Court to-day John Trice and William Cooper, who yesterday pleaded guilty to horse-stealing, were each sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. Margaret King, for forgery, was discharged.

Greymouth, April 25. The ‘Grey River Argus’ has au article strongly condemning the action of the Dunedin shareholders m the Greymouth Coal Company, and asserting that the prospects of the company are sound and brilliant. It alludes to the fact that the West Coast shareholders have regularly paid their calls without a murmur, and that the directors have not asked for a shilling in return for their services, this being proof of the confidence locally held in the profitable character of the undertaking. Sailed, at 10 a.m., Albion, for Sydney, A large number of passengers were refused.