THE STRIKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1173, 18 November 1913, Page 4

THE STRIKE.

AUCKLAND’S OUTLOOK

STRIKE FIZZLING OUT,

Auckland, Sunday,

It is iy days ago since the waterside workers went on strike. Those Unions which responded to the call for a general strike in Auckland have now been out over a week.

Members of fourteen Unions “downed tools” when ihespecials took possession of the waterfront and the number of actual strikers was down roughh at 6000. Since then the seamen have given notice and left their ships and other trades have been compelled to close down, bringing , the total number of people out of wcrk up to over 7,000.

The tramwaymeu represented an additional 700 thrown'out of work through cars ceasing for want of coal.

During the week, however, it is estimated that about 1000 men have returned to work, including 400 City Council employees, 165 Exhibition workers, 300 hotel and restaurant employees and a number of carpenters, drivers and general labourers. Employers generally report anxiety on the part of the men to resume work.

The strike leaders deny that there is any sign of weakening, although a strong guard has been maintained in view of the possibility of trouble.

The week-end has been very quiet. The strikers had a procession to-day and a mass meeting in Vicloiia Park. AUhoughthere are supposed to be over 5,000 on strike there were only 2,500 in the procession and numbers from various Unions which contributed to this total, lends colour to the assertion that the strike is steadily bleeding to death. In consequence of the natural anxiety of workers to be in Auckland during the Exhibition period, the employers report that they are receiving many applications from skilled tradesmen in other parts of the Dominion for positions rendered vacant by the strike. The chairman of the Harbour Board reports that splendid work has been accomplished on the wharves during the past week, and that the programme originally mapped out for handling vessels in port and their cargoes has been more than fulfilled. The extension of the activities is under consideration, but even if this is not decided upon he considers that the authorities are in a position to cope with all shipping, The vessels carrying the most urgently needed cargoes have now been dealt with.