THE STRIKE’

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1921, Page 5

THE STRIKE’

SITUATION UNCHANGED.

FEAR OF COMPLICATIONS.

HINT OF GRAVE TROUBLE.

fy Telegraph.—Pres* Assn.—Copyright. Received May 3, 1.5 a.m. London. May 2. The coal situation is unchanged. A long strike sums up the feeling generally, with possibilities of appalling complications and happenings ever lurking in the background. Mr. C. T. Cramp (president of the National Union of Railwaymen), speaking at Leeds, declared that “unless things alter I candidly think we shall drift into a state of war within a fortnight? Mr. Sydney North, a famous expert on oil-driven machinery, declares there is no necessity for a shortage of power owing to lack of coal, as machinery can be converted for use with oil in an hour, and less than a week should suffice to instal the needful tanks and pipes for storing and supplying oil. It was recently decided to thus convert 30 per eent. of the furnaces of a large London power-house, and the work is practically completed. The railways tre following suit.—Reuter Service.

X 0 CHANGE.

BOTH SIDES REMAIN FIRM.

London, May 1. The week-end has brought no change in the coal deadlock, and both sides are sitting tight, waiting for each Bther to make the next move. There is a steady undercurrent the men to secure a settlement on the basis of a satisfactory wage. A national ballot has been suggested though ao definite move has yet been taken to discard the national pool claim. Meanwhile, distress is growing apace and in most districts the unions’ funds are exhausted. Other unions are giving limited help, and special subscription lists have been opened; to feed the women and children.—Reuter.

THREAT BY SCOTTISH DOCKERS.

London, May 1. The Scottish dockers have appealed jo the transport executive to convene immediately a Tripled Alliance delegate conference, and, failing the suppoit of the railwaymen, to arrange that transporters shall co-operate with the minars in their strike.