COTTON STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1932, Page 5

COTTON STRIKE

TO START TO-DAY

LITTLE HOPE OF SETTLEMENT.

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.)

LONDON, August 27

As the result of the breakdown of negotiations at Manchester a general strike in the manufacturing s ciion of the cotton industry begins on August 29, affecting 200,000 operatives. It is considered that only immediate powerful government intervention can save the position. There is now little hope of any immediate settlement of the Lancashire cotton strike, although the cost will be one million and a half sterling per week.

Mr Hamer, Chairman cf the Cotton Employers’ Organisation declared that if the strike continues, more of the mills will be closed, and hundreds of the operatives will never get work again.

Both sides admit that the strike will do incalculable harm. Yet neither side will shift its ground.

Negotiations for the settlement of the Lancashire cotton trouble proved abortive. •

The operators have been instructed to act upon the strike notices issued.

The strike is not expected to cause a complete stoppage in Stalybridgo, Hyde, Redcliffe, Manchester, Todmorton, Rochdale and Oldham, as temporary working agreements are in operation in those centres. The Minister of Labour says that intervention at this stage would not be likely to serve any useful purpose.