A SUDDEN TIE-UP

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 64, 22 March 1913, Page 5

A SUDDEN TIE-UP

SYDNEY FERRY STRIKE.

GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT

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

Sydney, March .M

With every prospect in the shape of weather conditions and attractive programmes, a pleasing holiday was largely spoiled by • the' sudden tyingup of the greater portion of the ferry services. Trouble has been rife among tin ferry hands for a considerable time, owing to the delay of the Wages Board in dealing with their grievances. A strike was threatened early in the month, but was averted by Mr (,‘aimichael intervening and promising to have the proceedings of tne Board expedited. The arrangement apparently proved unsatisfactory. This morning travellers reaching the wharves after nine o’clock found Itu steamers and most of the services tied

up and deserted, and were unable to cross the harbour. Good Friday ic generally devoted to family picnics and attending the Agricultural Show. As the day wore on great crowds of disappointed picnickers and show visitors massed at both ends of the services. The development was so sudden that it was unknown until thej landed at the wharves. Those at the city end were able to avail themselves of trains elsewhere or to Manly, to which the steamers continued to run. The crowds at North Sydney and in other parts across the harbour were compelled to return home or reach their destinations by circuitous routes. Boat men and launches reaped a rich liarvest from those willing to pay a shilling or more for the wonted penm trip.

Mr Carmichael, considering the matter one of extreme urgency, in view of the heavy Easter traffic, is doing his utmost to reach a settlement. The men say that they are tired ol promises. The fleet of idle steamers lying alongside the wharves kept up steam throughout the day, in readiness to resume. Crowds hung round in the vain hope of a settlement, or watching developments. . The city, generally deserted on Good Friday, was quite lively with disappointed pleasure hunters wandering about the streets. During the afternoon a big fleet of small craft of all descriptions was plying for hire. ( ■ The outer suburbs along Lane Cove and other rivers are; in a parlous condition, communication with the city being cuVoff. s ■Negotiations are proceeding for another conference, which will be held to-morrow.