THE SYDNEY STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2154, 1 April 1908, Page 3

THE SYDNEY STRIKE.

MR. REID AND TRADE UNIONS

MASTER PAINTERS DECLINE STRIKERS’ PROPOSAL.

United Press Association— Copyright --SYDNEY, March 31. The Employers’ Federation resblved to prenare to confer with the strikers under certain conditions. Mr. Reid, referring to tho strike, said the trades union was one of the greatest developments in .the way ot safeguarding the' rights of .the people, 'but however good their object, there was a power above employers •and trades unionists, the power ot the conscience of the whole community, which would not .al.ow acts of m- •- tolerance and injustice. .He compared non-unionists to martyrs at the stake. The fires which destroyed the martyrs of old had lighted the fire of liberty which ought to secure for men and women of the twentieth century the right to assert their .fieedom of choice in all lawful matters. ' <.The master painters have declined > the strikers’ proposal .for a conteienco.

UNIONS .BACKING DOWN. ■■ —'-&NXIOUS FOR .A SETTLEMENT. (Received April l,’ a.m.) SYDNEY, March 31. The ioint executive- unions decided they were quite ready to meet representatives of the coastal companies in conference at tho earliest possible moment. In view of tho coming settlement they were prepared, it tin, public exnression of their desire avas pot sufficient, to make a direct request in writing.