STRIKE IN AFRICA.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 March 1922, Page 5

STRIKE IN AFRICA.

SOME MEN GO BACK. RESUMPTION EXPECTED BALLOT TO BE TAKEN. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received March 5, 5.5 p.m. Capetown, March 4. The strike at Johannesburg is reaching a crisis. Over a thousand strikers have returned to work. An all night sitting of the men’s federation decided on fresh negotiations direct with the Chamber of Mines, but the latter declined the overtures and announced that they will not recognise the federation in future, but will recognise the men’s own unions.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Received March 4, 5.5 p.m. Capetown, March 3. All is quiet at Johannesburg to-day and on the Rand an improvement is noted in the number returning to work. A movement is developing among the moderate section of the strikers for finding a basis for returning to work in an organised fashion, which is regarded as an alternative to the extremists getting control. An important conference has been called by the federation of the various strike committees and it is understood a serious effort will be made to effect a settlement of the strike, for which much pressure had been brought to bear on the executive. QUESTION OF RESUMPTION. BALLOT TO BE TAKEN. Received March 6, 12.25 a.m. Capetown, March 4. The Chamber of Mines, in refusing the men’s federation’s request for a further conference, expressed willingness to assist the workers to get rid of Junta, whose action brought them into the present position, and also safeguard them against vindictive action. At Vereenignig the steel workers by a large majority decided to resume, thus preventing the loss of a big contract. Shots were exchanged between strikers and police near the City Deep Mine, but there were no casualties. The executive of the men’s federation has decided to take a ballot on the question of returning to work on the Chamber of Mines’ terms, pending the findings of the Parliamentary Commis-sion.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.