THE STRIKE ENDED.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 893, 16 May 1903, Page 2

THE STRIKE ENDED.

UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER OF MEN.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 5.55 p.m., 51 ay 15. 3lelbournc, May 15. The strike has ended. The men have unconditionally surrendered.

THE CONFERENCE,

A GLAD SURPRISE

GREAT RE-JOICINGIN MELBOURNE

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

Received 12.25 a.m., May 16

Melbourne, Mav 15,

The settlement of the strike was arranged at a conference heiu in tno I’uriiaruEDtary buildings between the Premier, Minister of Railways. Leaders of the Opposition and Labor Party, Messrs Duffy and Madden, and the President and Secretary of the Engine-drivers' Association. It was surmised that the conference was in regard to the strike, but the strictest

secrecy was observed as to the nature o:

the proceedings. The conference broke up at 2.50, when it wns understood it would meet again. Soon after 5 p.in. it was reported tnat the .-trike was over. The news was received with incredulity. The first authoritative news came from the Premier, who. at -1 o’clock, made a statement in the Legislative Assemb y. On rising to speak lie was greet! d with loud choirs K said: It is extremely

gratifying to me to he p.i.eed in toe position of being able to announce that the unfortunate strike ha- come to an end. I received this morning, through favor of the Leader of tho Opposition t;ud other gentlemen the following letter : “ Locomotive Logit.,, driver.-' and lire mens' Association, May loth : hiv, on behalf of the members ol ii.e above Association now on strike, we desire to intimate to von that we ha ve declared the strike off, and that the Association as a body is prepared to

return to work in full confidence that we will receive justice at your hands. Signed —Hart, President ; Scorer, General Secretary.'’ Mr Irvine said : In a matter of this sort it seemed to the Government that there

should be no possible room for misunderstanding us tu their position. Therefore, I thought it necessary, alter consultation with my colleagues, to make provisions for the Government to put the position beyond a shadow of doubt. Accordingly, 1 wrote the following letter: " 1 have to acknowledge your letter, in which, on behalf of the members of your association now on strike, you intimate that you have declared the strike off. .Recognising that this is intended as compliance with the order of the Commissioner to withdraw your affiliation with the Trades Hall Council, Government has taken your letter into consideration. I have had the assurance of the gentlemen who conveyed your letter to me that they fully explained to vou the* intentions of Government, us publicly expressed in the enclosed statement, in addition to matters specifically referred to in that statement, and in order to prevent any possible misunderstanding, I have to stale that any members of the Association who will he permitted to resume duty will be so permitted only on tlic understanding that Government shall be left with unlettered discretion to allow or disallow wholly or partially pensions or compensation rights which have already accrued, or are accruing, according to tho merit of tho inndividual cases. I shall bo glad to have your confirmation of those points.—Signed, Irvine.” Tho Premier went on to say that ho had received a reply to the effect that tho Association fully understood, and accepted the terms Government imposed. Received 1.15 n.m., May 16. Melbourne, May 15.

Disavowing all feelings of exultation, tho Premier went on to say that he wished it to ho understood, as previously stated and explained in tho statement he had forwarded to tho president and secretary of the Euginedrivers’ Association, that the men would not cotue back in a body, as men recently engaged must have consideration, and only a certain proportion of strikers could be taken back. Men who had taken a loading part iu the strike, or committed acts of intimidation, or left engines at points, would not bo taken back. Men who had reluctantly joiued the strike simply through being cajoled, or out of a feeling of loyalty to their comrades would bn treated magnanimously as regarded pension and other rights. In all probability many of those engaged in the strike will have to sutler. Those whom we can admit into tho scrvico we will admit with full regard to tho interests of the people ; hut subject to that we shall certainly endeavor to temper justice with mercy, aud exercise absolute impartiality, in admitting back to the service those who participated in tho unhappy eonlliet. Sir A. J. Peacock, in response to repeated calls, amidst cheers rose and congratulated tho country on what had been done, lie and others who had been working in the interests of peace were glad to think they had boon of use. Ho had to express the greatest admiration for the representatives of the men they had had to deal with. Other members expressed congratulations. There was no further attempt to discuss tho Strike Bill. Three cheers having been given for the Premier and Sir A. J. Peacock, tho House adjourned till Tuesday. Received 1.51 a.m., May 16.

Beyond the Premier’s statement, very little so far is available regarding the negotiations that led to a settlement. A Parliamentary Committee, consisting of Peacock, Duffy, Cameron, and Bromley, got together last night, acting without Government sanction. This morning they had a long interview with the strike leaders. They urged them to givo way, insisting at tho same time on the necessity for a complete surrender. Meanwhile tho committee had consulted tho Premier and Minister for Railways. About midday tho Premier was called out of tho House. A conference was held as to the question of the terms of surrender, and Sir A. J. Peacock’s committee handed m the men’s letter declaring the strike off. It svas then after three o’clock. Tho matter went to tho Cabinet, and after consideration the Premier sent his letter. The reply of the men to this letter was submitted to a

meeting of men at the Trades Hall, and the decision to declare the strike off was confirmed. Immediately afterwards tho Premier made the statement in the Legislative Assembly. Tho news spread through the city like

wildfire. The negotiations were kept so secret, and so firm a front was maintained, right up to the time, that tho surrender by the strike leaders came as a glad surprise.

The city is in a tremendous state of excitement and jubilation, which continued late to-night. Preparations at once commenced to restore the train services, which it is expected will be greatly improved to morrow. Throughout the Commonwealth there is great relief and rejoicing that tho disastrous struggle has happily ended. London, May 14.

The Pall Mall Gazette expresses the hope that the British labor leaders will note 3lr Irvine’s measures for a democratic country. By Telegraph—Press Association.

Wellington, last night.

A meeting of the Trades and Labor Council and affiliated bodies, from which the press were excluded, carried a resolution expressing sympathy with the Victorian railway men, and pledging such moral and financial assistance as may be required.