GOVERNMENT'S GRIT

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1918, Page 3

GOVERNMENT'S GRIT

STRAIGHT TALK TO STRIKERS,

[PF.n PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGnT.I

Received This Dev at 1T.25. a.m.) LONDON, Sep. 26. Mr Thomas, at Cardiff, referring to the strike, said:

“ Cabinet- told me they had accepted the men’s challenge. Not a comma of the agreement would be altered, even if the whole Union came out-. “ Cabinet said they were going to discharge their duties as a Government, regardless of the consequences or circumstances. “If I were Premier, I would have done the same thing. “Food was rotting in the docks.” Mr Thomas’s reference to the war position aroused loud cheers. Mr Thomas concluded: , “Then show you believe in Hie war. The men have been led into a trap, and now realise it-. They are ashamed to walk the streets.” Strikers are returning in S mth Wales to the Groat Western system generally. Some London strikers have returned. Tt is expected the resumption will be general to-day. Mr Thomas has tenederd his resignation. He says dejectedly that be has tost his power as a loader, and feels he i s no longer able to guarantee the men’s honour, but Mr Thomas very ill, and may not persist in his resignation. Tie states he has been officially assured that there will be no victimisation.