STRIKERS.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 9 June 1917, Page 6

STRIKERS.

AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER’S VIEW. 1 “Strikers ought to be kicked,” tersely writes Private H. Clements, a son of Mr. R. Clements, of Fitzroy, from the West front, after seeing in the newspapers accounts of strikes in Australia. “Let them come over hero and strike, and see how they will get on ” ho continues. '“Some of our fellows work four shifts in succession, on bul‘ly beef and biscuits and a wage of 6s a day Here’s a day’s schedule of work: 5.30 a.m. till 5 p.m., carrying duck boards to supports; 7 p.m. to 4.30 a.m., putting a cable down 7 feet

(for protection against the Huns’ shell fire). This shift had to be done in the dark, as we were in the open, about 400 or 500 yards from Fritz. We many stretches like this, and fatigue duty in addition. Although the boys were nearly ropping off to sleep as they stood, not a growl was heard which was not good-humoured. They scorned to let their ‘cobbers’ in the front line down. They would sooner work till they dropped. Let such as those who go on strike stay in Australia. We do not want them oyer here. We have vacancies only for real sports and real men. But when we return let them keep on the other ! side of the road.”