THREATENED STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 880, 2 May 1903, Page 2

THREATENED STRIKE.

ULTIMATUM EXPIRES TODAY

By Telegraph - Press Association -Copyright

Melbourne, May 1

Despite the secrecy ot the railway men as to their meetings, it is alleged that it is morally certain that they will refuse to comply with the Government ultimatum. Another statement is that the men will suggest to the Commissioners that instead of dealing with the whole of the executive officers of the sociolies that one only be dismissed and treated as a test case. Members of the railway societies have been notified that a levy will be made next pay day. It is probably intended only to meet legal expenses. An uiuinous sign is that Uie Government have nolihed a number of pensioned engine-drivers to hold themselves ready for duty. Sydney, May 1. The Labor Council has adopted a motion ul sympathy won the Victorian ruii way men, and urging tlieiu not to back down. LETTER FROM THE MEN.

By Telegraph—Cress v o s-eiatio.. -dopyr gh lteceiw-d 12 19 a m., May 2.

Melbourne, May 2.

The Executive officers ot tuc Locomotive Enguieumers’ and Firemens’ Association, nils aUernoun, ullur protraciod consideration and uOuuuiug legal advice, forwarded a letter td the Railway Commissioners in reply in Luo order ru sever itieir connection witti the Trades Hall or resign from the Assoeiatiou. The letter says “ that as officers of the Association they have no power to comply with the demand to sever or connection with tho Trades Hall. It is for the Association and not for its Executive officers to decide whether any delegates shall bo sent to the Trades Hall Council. What you ask us to do is impossible.” The letter goes on : “ As far as tho second alternative is concerned it raises the question of our right as free inon to dispose of our time wheu off duty. If we are under tho obligation to resign our positions in the Association because you tell us to, we shall have to resign our offices in any benelit lodge or other bodies at your bidding, which has deprived us of our political privileges. Wo deny that you have the right to deprive us of our civil privileges. We aro roady and willing to obqy all your lawful orders, and all your lawful regulations. The question ultimately resolves itself into this: Have we, by refusing to resign as membors oi the Executive of this Assoeiatiou under tho circumstances, infringed any lawful regulation or order?”

A LOCK-OUT INEVITABLE,

By. Telegraph—Press AssociationCopyright,. Received 1,29 a.ui., May 2. Melbourne May 2,

Unless Government hacks down, of which at present tnc-re is no sign, the railway lock-out appears inevitable. The Executive Officers and Daily Paid Employees Association have also replied, absolutely declining to comply with the ultimatum, wbicu they declare is illegal and arbitrary. They deny the power of the Commissioners tu interfere with their ordinary civic or political rights after working hours and me regulation duties are perlormed. it is deacrioed as a tyrannical attempt to deprive tho rights of free citizensaip ru a free'country.

Tnere is much excitement in the City. At a May-day procession to-day one hundred and ffity unemployed, heaued by Turn Maun, marched tile streets. Reso.utions were carried urging tho railway men tu sticiJ to their guns, oaiitug on me Trades Hall Guuaeu to declare a general stnKe ot all wurKurs.