RAILWAY STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 890, 13 May 1903, Page 2

RAILWAY STRIKE.

liiriiUVEJ) SEltVii'H. DISTRESS IN COUNTRY TOWNS. 1001) AT I-'AMIXE ITIICES. Uy Telegraph. V t , m As.-odation. Copyrigh* Received 10.;;;, p. ul ., Mlly 12i _ , . , Meibom me )•> To-Uny s snnarbim .»ul cauiurv , ,w ( - were both a might improvement t ■ r <tcr . day, all trams getting away t lU ,;v w \l on time. Distress is already felt in some country towns owing to shortage ut provisions Famine prices are ruling in a good many places.

Persistent rumors that there was a likelihoed of the Marine Engineers joinin'" the strike prove unfounded. In reply to inquiries the General Secretary of the Australian Institute) of Engineers states that there is absolutely no truth in the rumors, and in any ease such a proceeding would uot be countenanced by tbe association during the present struggle.

DAILY-PAID UNION OBEY THE GOVERNMENT.

FUND TO REWARD DRIVERS AND

FI REM EN

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright tv. Received 10 85 p.iu., May IX

Melbourne, May 12.

The latest development is the decision of the daily-paid union, with the exception of the president and secretary, to obey the Government. The union lias accordingly withdrawn from affiliation with the Trades Ilall. A fund lets been started to reward the drivers and firemen who proved loyoi to the Government. The Chamber of Manufacturers has voted .£‘,3o weekly to the fund. Members o. the shock Exchanges and many others are also contributing.

The Friday express from Adelaide completed a inuch-intcmipied journey ill midday. Tho passengers made a collection lor the driver, but lies declined to accept it, saying that lie was an employco of the Government, bad merely dono his duty, and wished no other reward. The express to Albury also got through safely this morning.

MR O’SULLIVAN’S ENCOURAGEMENT OF STRIKERS.

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright

Received 10.-I p.m., May 1”

Sydney, May 12.

Tho Premier says that Mr O’Sullivan has been connected with labor for many years, and naturally his sympathies went in that direction, but whatever his expression of opinion, it did not bind tho Government, which would observo strict neutrality uud sco that every man gets fair play.

DAILY-PAID UNION’S EX PLAN ATI ON.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrighj

Received 12.21 a.m., May LI Melbourne, May .12,

Tho Executive of the Daily-Paid Union makes an explanation re the withdrawal from tho Trades Hall. They yesterday wrote to tho Commissioner, pointing out that tho previous refusal to withdraw was not intended as insubordination, but bocause they wero not satisfied of tho legality oi his order, and suggesting that tho difficulty would be met if the two Executive officers wero dismissed aud tho question legally tested. A second letter to day informed tho Commissioner that all tho Exeeutivo resign from tho Trades Hall excepting two, whose dismissal from the service the Union intended to legally test. The {Secretary Htates that tho decision was reluctantly arrived at alter a lengthy consultation and tho advice of their solicitor. Nono of tho Executive desired to return to work. Tho decision makes it unnecessary for the remainder of tbe Exeeutivo or general body ui members to cease work.

ORDEIILY CROWDS.

By Tolegraph— Press Association—Copyright Received 1.21 a.uj., May lit. Melbourne May 12.

Largo crowds still gather to watch tho departure and arrival of trains, but everything is orderly and rjuict. Strong bodies of police have been brought from tho country, and any attempt ut renewal of rowdyism, which marked tho opening Beenes of the strike, are quickly suppressed. Many members of the Stock Exchange have offered their services as special constables or general assistants on the railways. A strong body of university undergraduates are doing patrol work of stations. All trains are much better patronised, and many arc crowded. Work is being suspended as far as most of the shipping berthed ut the wharves connected with the railway is concerned. Three grain laden vessels will be taken up the river to discharge.

THE LATEST NEWS,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 12.24 a.nr., May 13. Sydney, May 12. All the available Sydney and Melbourn n steamers are being utilised in carrying mails, the sailings of some being purposely delayed

Melbourne, May 12,

The secretary of the Engineers’ Association asserts that lots of men told him that a number of big employers are forcing any man possessing knowledge of machinery to offer his services to the Railway Department, on pain of dismissal.

Received 1.5 a.m., May Iff. Sydney, May 12.

There is generally a much more hopeful feeling in commercial circles regarding tho strike.

Melbourne, May 12,

The city presented a much more busy appearance to-day, and altogether a moro hopeful feeling was prevalent. The action of tho Haily Raid Union which, with the exception of the president and secretary, to-day withdrew from the Trades Hal), is regard d on the one hand as a severe blow to the strikers and an indication that the men are weakening; on the other hand the strike leaders declare that they themselves are thoroughly satisfied with the position. The men are firm and determined as ever.

So far as is known only one Govern ment driver went over to the strikers.

To-day the chief interest centres in the meeting of Parliament to-morrow. All needless formalities will be dispensed with. The business will be strictly confined to the discussion of railway matters. A strict limit will be enforced to tho right of strangers to enter the precincts of the House.

It is rumored to-night that the signal men have decided to carry out tfcnir intention of striking.