THE STRIKES IN BRITAIN

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 59, 31 August 1911, Page 5

THE STRIKES IN BRITAIN

PENALISING THE STRIKERS. MORE TROUBLE PROBABLE. Ity Oable—Press Association—Copyright London, August 29. The Great Eastern Company's drivers threaten to strike unless reinstated in their old positions. Express drivers since the strike have been transferred to goods trains. EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COMMISSION. Received 30, 9.30 p.m. London, August 30. Mr. Fox, on behalf of the Engineers' Firemen's Society, testified before the commission that hundreds of cases of irritation arose over the condition of the service outside the purview of the conciliation scheme. He instanced fines, and said the men were often punished unjustifiably and were not allowed to prove their innocence. They had no means of redress. Conciliation -was an absolute failure, not dealing with questions vitally affecting the men. Recognition of the unions was necessary to prevent strikes. He suggested a tribunal of two representatives each of the masters and men, with an independent chairman to settle disputes when local efforts have failed. He was prepared to concede that workmen breaking an honorable agreement should not receive financial assistance, but declined to give a direct reply whether those carrying out the award should toe protected from interferance by those opposing at Mr. Louth, secretary of the General Railway Workers' Union, complained of the growth of casuals and tte reduction of permanent workers resulting. The companies' concessions only applied to permanent*. Owing to the absence of recognition, the unionß lost their influence early in their efforts to keep the men working in the late strike. An objectional feature about the Conddjation Board was the lengthy periods of awards preventing an application for increased wages, however much the companies prospered.

. ■ Other witnesses favored a Board of Trade umpire, with two assessors representing masters and men, with a preference for separate boards. "JUSTIFIABLE HOMICIDE." Received 31, 12.30 ajn. London, August 30. There is trouble on the Great Eastern railway, chiefly with acting drivers, who found that during the strike others had been promoted to their positions. Considerable loot has been recovered at Rhymney, and a number of arrests were made. At the inquest on Llanelly, Major Stuart testified that he gave the people ample warning. He Tegretted the necessity of performing a painful duty. A verdict of justifiable homicide was returned.