SYDNEY GAS STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 246, 7 March 1913, Page 5

SYDNEY GAS STRIKE.

.» , THE VOLUNTEERS AT WORK. ORDERLY STRIKERS. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. -• Sydney, March 0. There were over 400 volunteers at the Town Hall meeting. The Lord M. or's shift included Colonel Lassetter :i.,<l a number of other prominent men. The Australian Gaslight Company offers to reinstate all strikers if they return to-day. The men declare that they will fight to the bitter end. The secretary of the Federated Engine Drivers' Union denies the rumors that the electric light workers intend to join the strikers. The secretary of the Gas Workers' Union advocates calling Parliament to deal with the situation. He says that since the companies will not agree to the cancelling of the agreement, but will ' agree to the establishment of a wages board, they cannot get near a settlement till the Act is amended. The men ara willing to negotiate, but it must be on the basis of peace with honor. The secretary says the companies will permit mediation. Although there are rumors of a general strike, the officials of several of the large anions oppose such action, as they consider it would be a blunder and not help the gas men. Some unions passed resolutions of sympathy with the strikers and condemnatory of the Government offering encouragement to free labor. Six fitters at the Mortlake works have struck, refusing to repair damages caused by unskilled free laborers. It is claimed on behalf of the gas men that the trouble at the Town Hall meeting was not of their making, as none participated in the rowdyisms. So far their conduct in the vicinity of the works, where they continue largely to congregate, has been exemplary. When the ungraduate volunteers arrived in a body to commence work the strikers greeted them with cheers. The newspaper Worker, commenting on the situation, says the Ministry blundered badly when it gave the men half a day to accept the employers' terms and threatened to place amateur blacklegs in their place. The paper protests at the professional article trying to outWade Wade, who even in the matter of the Newcastle strike showed more forbearance. Evidently, it adds, the Ministry has lost its head, and Labor's cup of bitterness is full, even to overflowing. WILLING VOLUNTEERS. PRIMITIVE COOKERY. Received 6. f1.45 p.m. Sydney, March 6. Strike matters are quiet. The forces have been augmented by a number of free laborers, and the volunteers are doing steady work. At Manly the supply is uninterrupted, a full staff of volunteers having replaced the strikers. Though the North Shore Companv is prepared to give a full supply, many Streets are unlighted, owing to the lamplighters being out. The city is ) still ga=less. the refilling of the immense reservoirs being a lengthy process. Business is badly hampered, but the prospects of an early renewal of the service are hopeful. The majority of the city and inner suburb residences are without full supply, and stores and households are being driven to all sorts of shifts. In some instances several houses use one stove, taking turn about, the breakfast hour varying from very early morning till 'ate in the forenoon, according to the place allotted in the queue. Other meals are taken as the overworked stove offers opportunity. Cold collations are largely the order of the day. BOTH SIDES SIT TIGHT. Received 7, 1 a.m. Svdney. JLircli fi. There are rumors that efforts arc being made towards the settlement of the 6trike. The secretary of the Labor Council conferred with Mr. McGowen and Mr. Carmichael. Subsequently the Ministers stated that there was nothing new to report. Apparently both 1 sides are sitting fast, though both profess willingness to confer, but on term-, i The gasmen's secretary declare- that they are still open to negotiate, but if I the companies' intention is to sit back I and fight the men's intention is the same. Tlip riolice anil the Gas Companv's } managers pay tributes to the strikers' | excellent behaviour. -