QUEENSLAND STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 31 August 1925, Page 1

QUEENSLAND STRIKE

18,000 OUT. 9 TRAVELLERS HELD UP. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] BRISBANE, Aug. 29. As a result of the railway strike, some heavy loads are licing thrown on tin tramway officials. As the can draw up at the termini, they arc rushed. Even the drivers’ platforms arc filled with standing passengers. A all the available, ears are regularly in use, not much could be done, blit- the determination of the people to be early has materially helped the tramways to cope with the difficulty. A portion of the city milk suppß that is usually sent in by train from tin dairying districts was held up for u time, hut fortunately, when it was known that the- strike was imminent, arrangements were made for motor trucks to traverse the. country and secure supplies and bring them in to the cool stores. It is expected that complete new arrangements will he made for to-day. Ti. iv Vtntccl that if this arrangcnicnt i- successful, many of the suppliers will adept a new system, as it is contended that t.h"7 will get a better service. The State President of the Australian Railways’ Union said that a ntitnhci of applications had been received for the delivery of perishable goods, mid, in all eases these requests are beini complied with. Many travellers from the .South are held tip at Hie border. There is not sufficient aeeonnmodation to provide for all. and tremendous confusion prevails regarding luggage, tmteli of which has gone astray. Cars to continue the journey tip to Brisbane are in great demand, any price being paid for a seat; but many not having the money to pay. arc stranded. Out of 18.090 railway employees, only eight were on duly yesterday. These wore the Railway Comissioncr, his secretary, chief accountant, the chief engineers and the general managers at Brisbane. Townsville, Rockhampton and Toowoomba. Mr Gillies, the Premier, in again outlining the Government’s attitude to the strikers, held that- the responsibility for llu- inconvenience and loss caused did not lie with the Government. He said that, iust as the Government had done all that any reasonable l>nd\ of men could he expected to do to prevent the strike, so it would continue to use every effort to bring about a setlemcnt. Tie regretted that the Railway Union’s Executive, in refusing to accept tin- Government's generous offer, had failed to seize the opportunity of securing benefit for the whole of the workers in the Stale, rather than for merely a section. That was the full purpose of the Government's offer. Although the railway strike is no nearer a settlement- the general situation is calmer. Tho Premier, Air Gillies, lias announced that a compulsory eolifereneo has boon called for Monday. Owing to the railway strike cutting off the company 5s coal supply, the Alt Alorgau mine has been closed.