NO HOPE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 75, 5 April 1913, Page 5

NO HOPE.

the n.s.w. strikes.

GROW IN G DISCONTENT. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [Lxiti’l) Press Association.) (Received 10.35 a.m.) Sydney, April 5. In spite of the Hon. Mr Carmichael’s hopeful view of a settlement, indications rather point to a spread of the trouble, as both sides are determined, while there is grave discontent in the other branches of the railway service. it is feared that the men employed in the railway parcels department will cease work unless a settlement is reached to-day. Chaotic conditions continue in the Darling Harbour sheds, though perishable products and the milk supply are still being handled. The Herald states that the Trades Hall has decided to call out the wharf labourers, the carters, and the coal lumpers. The president of the latter union, however, declared that there was no prospect of members taking a hand to nip the Barrier strike which is beginning to be seriously felt, as fodder is running short. Two sections of tlie amalgamated zinc works have been closed. Ihf British mine has ceased breaking anc hauling ore, and the Junction mine closes to-day, which is due to the shortage of trucks to carry ore. The Northern miners are taking a ballot to ascertain if the members an favourable to submitting the troubles to the Wages Board. Mr Carmichael’s proposal to appoint a special court to deal with the' situation is not favourably regarded.

MEETING OF THE CABINET. A lengthy meeting of the Cabinet discussed the railway strike and the industrial position generally. At the close of the meeting Ministers declared that there was nothing to communicate. Mr Carmichael spent" mam hours in consultation with Mr Cann, the Industrial Registrar, and the Secretary of the Railway Association, and subsequently Mr Carmichael stated that he thought there was a basis oi settlement, but it had not been placed before the men. He did not think the trouble would spread. The rumours that the Evelight and Alexandra shunters are out is iucoriect. They continued work, but are .likely to join. AS AFFECTING THE TRAFFIC. The inwards traffic to Redfern and Iho produce sheds are not affected by this position. The carriage of goods is not immediately concerned in the strike. The responsibility of the railway authorities ceases upon the arrival ot goods from the country, and consignees with the assistance of their own employees are able to take delivery. The carters have not yet taken any definite action, but ugly rumours are current.

At Newcastle, the men are not, as anticipated, yet out. Ihey had a meeting and decided tc continue woxk.

A WARNING NOTE

The executives of some of the unions warned members that they maj be called out at any moment in sympathy with the railway men. A special urgent meeting of the Employers’ Federation executive was called to-day to consider the crisis and methods in regard to overcoming it. Some of the country towns are already suffering from want of supplies from the city. APPORTIONING THE COST OF INCREASED WAGES. (Received 10.35 a.m.) The ferries have raised the periodical tickets 10 to 20 per cent of the increased expenditure necessitated by the concessions of wages, half ol which falls on the regular patrons and others and half on the company.