THE TRANSPORT STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 March 1924, Page 3

THE TRANSPORT STRIKE

[Reuters Telegrams.]

FIGHT FOR SETTLEMENT. LONDON, March 27. The Government sent special messages to all parties summoning them to the fcoitso of Commons in an effort to find a settlement. The parties included the Transport Workers Union, and National Union of Eaihvaymcu, who told Mr MacDonald that they would have to call out all the men on the London electric railways at midnight on Friday in support of the tramwaymen. In anticipation of the railwaymen carrying nut their threat, the National Citizens Union has given the Government a list of several thousand volunteer motor drivers, who will carry on essential services. Mr -MacDonald, who was present at the opening of this conference, appealed to all to assist in the effort for a settlement. After a day of tension, the strike situation took a more hopeful turn in the evening. Mr MacDonald expressed hope of a settlement. -Mr Clyncs and Mr Shaw were present throughout the sitting. The traffic disputants again negotiated to-night, and they will continue tomorrow. The Premier has foreshadowed the proclamation of a state of emergency. PREMIER'S STATE.MENT.

LONDON, March 27

Tn the House of Commons, Air -MacDonald announced that the traffic striKc conference had adjourned until to-morrow. Tt was found that both sides were desirous of effecting a settlement. The Government would do its best to meet the public convenience, while the dispute lasted, and in the event of its spreading, tho first step would be the proclamation of a state of emergency. He added that every hospital is being provided with facilities for bringing and taking away patients. He said the larger public services must he maintained, and the Government must protect those engaged in legal occupations, hut he emphasised that tho Government would not act merely as a strike breaking organisation.

(Received this day at 8 n.m.l LONDON. March 27

Mr MacDonald referred to the outside suggestions the Government had received including the Hooding of the streets with troops and commandeering employers’ material. He declared the only rule tho Government would adopt was quiet and calm action. Mr Baldwin and Air Lloyd George approved the Government’s action. Mr Lloyd George said lie approved of the suggestion of commandeering if the need arose owing to insufficient vofuntary assistance. The Premier need not imagine that this was an extreme proposal wherefrom any section of tho House would shrink if it was necossary.