THE BRISBANE STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 194, 14 February 1912, Page 5

THE BRISBANE STRIKE.

A PROCESSION PROHIBITED.

THE STRIKE BREAKING DOWN.

By Cable —Press Association —Copyright, Brisbane, February 13.

Following yesterday's demonstration and rumors that it was intended to hold a big procession to-day, proclamations were issued at midnight prohibiting mass meetings and processions from to-day to the 27th. The proclamation pointed out that there was reason to believe that it was the intention of a large number of people to renew the disturbances, and they are counselled to resist unlawful proceedings. The employers announce their determination not to recede from a single step in the position taken up. There is much delay in business circles owing to the mails aboard the steamers that have not called being sent back and brought overland from Sydney. The master carriers have resolved to fill the places of strikers with free labor.

The Commissioner of Police replied to the request for permission to hold a procession that any attempt to do so would be dispersed with force. Normal conditions have been practically resumed in the northern districts.

The mandate of the Australian Workers' Union to return to work has generally been obeyed. The strike leaders continue to deny that the strike is breaking down, and claim that the loyal unionists are more solid than ever and that trade has been diverted to Sydney to the complete consternation of Brisbane merchants.

The Railway Department is curtailing the services on the Central Railway with a view to husbanding coal supplies.

Miners at Blair Athol and Bluff have ceased work with the object of preventing the augmentation of the Brisbane coal supply.

REMARKABLE MOBILISATION. THREE THOUSAND POLICE READY. Received 13, 9.35 p.m. Brisbane, February 13.

The Governor issued a proclamation forbidding unlawful assemblies. A copy was served by the police on the strike leaders. This was followed by a remarkable mobilisation of the police near the Trades Hall. The Bush Mounted Constabulary appeared riding in fours, with their right sleeves rolled up and holding batons aloft. They were joined by a band of mounted special constables, carrying rifles and fixed bayonets. Altogether three thousand were mobilised.

The strikers abandoned their usual mass meeting.

STATE PRINTERS GO BACK,

b£t MAY LOSE PRIVILEGES,

Received 14, 1.10 a.m. Brisbane, February 13,

A deputation of Government Printing Office strikers waited on the Treasurer, and made application for reinstatement, and announced their determination to dissociate themselves from the unions.

Mr. Barnes, in replay, agreed to take them back, but reserved the right to take such action as he deemed just in regard to the question of forfeiture of privileges.

The city is quiet. To-day's large array of police was the result of special instructions from the Premier.

COMPULSORY STRIKE CONFERENCE.

Received 14, 1 a.m.

Melbourne, February 13. The compulsory strike conference »at for two hours in private. The official statement is that no agreement was reached on the materials available. The president referred the dispute to the Arbitration Court on Friday.

RASH ACT OF BLIND MEN.

Sydney, February 13,

Mr. Beeby, speaking at Orange, characterised the Brisbane strike as the rash act of blind men. He regarded the strike as a futile and wasteful method of fighting in a country like Australia.