THE SYDNEY STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 73, 16 March 1908, Page 2

THE SYDNEY STRIKE.

PREMIER'S OFFICES SOUGHT. Sydney, .March 14. The Premier has been unofficially approached with a view to mediation in the strike, but he is unable to give an answer until the matter has been brought formally before him. Mr. Hughes, president of the Waterside Workers' Federation, informed an interviewer that certain influences are at work which may result in nding the trouble. He did not eniv say more than that at present, but l.e u.is hopeful that the matter would soon be all right. Mr. Hughe? further stated that a cable had been sent to the International Transport Workers' Federation, whose headquarters are at Hamburg, with a view to giving asisstance -in dealing with vessels arriving nt European ports if necessary.

A meeting of the Wholesale Produce Merchants' Association resolved to appeal to the Premier to assist in securing the landing of perishable products, large, quantities of which would otherwise bo ruined . One rumor alloat is that if the men do not quickly return to work the shipping companies intend to tie up their boats and pay off all hands.

The Stevedores' Association has resolved to issue summonses against men for breach of contract. In most cases the crews of vessels are assisting to handle cargo, but on ■some German-Australian line steamed they declined. The position at Newcastle is unaltered. There is very little doing at the wharves.

In Brisbane, fruit and other cargo for Sydney is being refused.

PROSPECTS BRIGHTENING,

Received March 15, 8.49 p.m. Sydney, Mareh 14. Mr. Wade is mediating further. Ho conferred with both sides. The prospects of a settlement are brightening. WORK RESUMED. EXCEPT ON THREE COMPANIES' WHARVES. Received 10th, 12.45 a.m. Sydney, March 15. At a mass meeting of 3000 wharf laborers it was decided to resume work at midnight on Sunday on the inter-State and oversea, vessels, but to maintain the strike over the vessels on the Illawarra, Newcastle and North Coast Companies..

It was announced that, the Seamen and Carters' Unions would support the strike against the three lines named, and that notice had been given of their intention to strike.