"LIGHTS OUT”

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10615, 14 June 1920, Page 6

"LIGHTS OUT”

MELBOURNE GAS STRIKE GOVERNMENT CALLS FOB VOLUNTEERS. SITUATION GRAVE. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright MELBOURNE, Juno 12. The city is faced with an industrial crisis, comparable to the upheaval of 1917, owing to the threatened action of. the factory engine-drivers and the strike of the gasworkers. The city is on tho verge of being plunged into darkness and industrial chaos. The State Government has decided to do its utmost to protect the community against wanton aggression, and will use all its resources to assist in maintaining the gas supply.. The Premier has issued an appeal for volunteer workers, ■ stating that the strikers by their action have practically declared war on the community. PROSPECT OF EXTENSION. (Received June 13, 5.5 p.m.) . AIELBOURNE, June 13. The city is now facing the dismal prospect of being without gas, electric light and trams, as tho enginedrivers have definitely decided to cease work at midnight on Saturday. If any attempt is made to bring coal overland to supply non-unionist workers at the gasworks the railway workers threaten to strike. WHAT WILL SYDNEY DO? (Received June 13, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY*, June 13. The secretary of the Engine-drivers’ Union states that, although the men have similar grievances to the Melbourne strikers, there will he no trouble in Sydney until after the departure of the Prince.