THE STRIKE IN BRITAIN

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 307, 24 June 1912, Page 5

THE STRIKE IN BRITAIN

FUNDS EXHAUSTED. MORE INTIMIDATION. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, June 21. The unions involved in the transport strike have exhausted their funds. Dockers, carmen, lightermen and stevedores continue to draw 2s 6d to 5s weekly from the General Fi deration Union. Fresh complaints are made in the newspapers arid the House of Commons of violence and intimidation' of strike-breakers. Several have been taken to the hospital. Mr. McKenna promised to make enquiries. THE INDUSTRIAL COUNCIL. THE TRADES DISPUTES ACT. ( Received 23, 5.5 p.m. London, June 22. The Port of London Authority declines to give evidence before the Industrial Council, on the ground that it is already in possession of knowledge of the details of the Devonport agreement. The Authority evidently objects to Government pressure. A large meeting at the Guild Hall endorsed the Port of London Authority's proposal to abolish lightermen's legal monopoly. A month's notice is required of the abolition.

A deputation to Mr. Asquith urged an alteration in the Trades Disputes Act in the direction of the abolition of the regulation for peaceful picketing. It urged the importance of financial guarantees for the carrying out of agreements. The repression of strikes by large federated trades like the transport workers by imprisonment of the leaders was suggested. Mr. Asquith, amid numerous interjections, said that settlements by compromise led the labor leaders to believe that they would get something out of every strike. Lord Furness had advocated compulsory arbitration, but he (Mr. Asquith) was unfavorable to this, as neither side desired it. He was of opinion that responsible labor leaders were against intimidation. He promised to consider the question of the secret ballot before a strike.