THE BRISBANE STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 187, 6 February 1912, Page 5

THE BRISBANE STRIKE.

NO FAMINE YET. ' STRIKERS LEAVING THE CITY. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Brisbane, February 5. Although there is difficulty in obtaining the delivery of food, so far there is nothing in the shape of famine. The police are still being augmented. With the increased force the system of picketing shops is being broken up. The Strike Committee is issuing food eoapow to unionists, asking those with money to refrain from obtaining them, u the funds are required for less fortunate members. Strikers are leaving the city till the trouble is over. It is stated that 1 an attempt will probably be made to re-start the trams to-day. It is alleged men are available and that the question is only one of adequate police protection. Special prayers were read in all the churches yesterday for the restoration of industrial peace. The Premier is dissatisfied with the refusal of military. He declares that Mr. Fisher placed the strike executive on an equality with the State Government and refused aid because the strike committee objected.

BRISBANE'S WAY. PEOPLE DO NOT CLIMB DOWN. BUSHMEN TO THE RESCUE. STRIKERS COWED. Received 5, 6.5 p.m. Brisbane, February 5. The trams started running at three different points at noon. One hundred experienced tramwaymen and 150 novices were employed. All the tramwaymen were armed. Large forces of armed men line .the route, and crowds cheered the care. Numbers of bushmen reached the city, volunteering their services as special constables. Altogether, the Police Commissioner has a force jof 3000 men to guard the dtj. The strikers are cowed.

A BESIEGED CITY. STARTING OF THE TRAMS. STRIKERS' PASSIVE ATTITUDE. PROTECTION FOR PREMIER. Received 5, 9 pjn. Brisbane, February 5. The eity presents the appearance of a besieged place. Semi-military camps have been formed in the Government Domain, and the Botanical Gardens are dotted with tents and long horse lines. The drilling of special constables with batons and mounteds in sword exercises are in full swing. Strong squads are parading the streets. A number of motor-cars have been placed at the disposal of the Government, and will be utilised by the police in the event of emergency calls. The Premier conferred with the police heads in the morning, when arrangements were completed for starting the trams. The first cars were mostly filled with special constables, Badger, manager of the Tramway Company, riding in one. Coyne, president of the Strike Committe, interviewed after the start, stated that the committee had issued strict orders against any attempt at violence, and added: "We are on a good wicket, and can afford a peaceful attitude. You may anticipate within a couple of days a complete upheaval throughout Australia.'

. Collins, another member of the committee, states that lie had received the following wire from their Sydney mates: "When you say the word we are ready to paralyse this city." Posses of special constables are guarding the Premier's house. It is understood that the police have taken this precaution owing to alleged threats against Mr. Denham, who objected to the presence of a guard, declaring he was all right. The Strike Committee held frequent meetings to-day. It is rumored the outcome is likely to be far-reaching. STEAMERS CUTTING OUT BRISBANE. ATTITUDE OF VICTORIAN WORKERS, Received 5, 9.30 p.m. Melbourne, February 6. All the steamers are cutting out Brisbane as a port of call. The Tramway Employees' Union are forwarding an additional £SOO to the Brisbane strikers. A secret meeting of the executive of the Labor Council was held to-day. Two lAbor members of the Queensland Parliament attended. No information is available beyond the statement of the president that "We have decided to give Brisbane our best assistance." THE LEADERS' DEFIANCE. FOOD SUPPLIES. Received 5, 930 p.m. Brisbane, February 5. Mr. Finlayson, a members of the Assembly, referring to the warning of the Commissioner of Police that the strike leaders would be held responsible for any disorder and arrested if there were trouble, declared that if five hundred of their vilifance officers were arrested others would take their place. '"We have twenty-two thousand to depend upon. The police are seeking an excuse for the arrest of the leaders." The Premier's action in starting the trams came aB a surprise to the strikers, who anticipated they would be started to-morrow. Badger, tramways manager, denies that he rode on a tram. Fifty thousand Inavs of bread were distributed this morning from labor bakeries. Six restaurants, a number of grocers' and butchers' shops in each suburb have been opened under auspices.

Thousands, of coupons have been distributed to the strikers. MORE SPECIAL CONSTABLES. SOME BUSINESSES RESUMED. NO BEER FOR BRISBANE. Received 6, 1 a.m. Brisbane, February 5. The trams continued running till the evening, and there was no trouble. The public gave fair patronage. More special constables were sworn in to-day, including a number of prominent business men. A meeting of the Federated Employers' Union and other employers' organisations resolved that as the Government guaranteed protection to all trades they, at the Government's request, would resume business to the extent of relieving those retailers supplying foodstuffs and the necessaries of life, but only on the understanding that traders do not accept any terms or conditions of the union's committee. There are contradictory reports fi;om the northern -towns. Some state that the waterside and other men struck, and others that they are still waiting to be called out. Melbourne, February 5. The secretary of the Federated Liquor Trades Union is taking steps to prevent the sending of beer from Melbourne and Sydney to Brisbane, where all the breweries are closed. It is officially stated that the waterside workers will take no action in support of the Brisbane strikers; certainly not in the 1 immediate future. The executive of the Labor Council decided to advise the unions to financially support the Brisbane strikers, but to take no precipitate action. FEDERAL ACTION LIKELY. Received 6, 1 a.m. Melbourne, February (5. -'Mr. Fisher states that efforts will be directed to meeting the Brisbane trouble in the Federal Arbitration Court.