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Newspaper
Sydney Evening News
Location
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Date
Jul 25, 1908
Page
2
News from Sydney reports limited tram service as the tram strike expands with railway suspensions possible. Union leaders threaten broader action, police and volunteers bolster ferry runs while crowds gather at Trades Hall to back the strike.
Inquiries with Railway Commissioners indicate rail service is largely operating with 30 to 40 cars in use. Public impact appears limited so far as weather favors walking. A large number of volunteers offered service with no pay, while Commissioners state no funds for wages. Elder workers may slow decisions, and some demonstrators voiced concern about risks in the current situation.
A large crowd gathered when trams ran to Ocean Street from Elizabeth Street and vice versa. Police, led by Superintendent Mitchell, kept lines clear while strike leaders accused drivers and inspectors. Richard Croft of the Tramway Employees Union was removed after alleged abuse. Trams largely ran, but after dark service paused. crowds dispersed along Ocean Street and adjacent suburbs.
Richard Croft, 38, accountant, charged at Water Police Court with insulting two tramway workers in King Street Burlney. He admitted the words and faced a separate assault on Constable John Fullerton during duty. A riot risk was raised as around 5000 spectators witnessed the proceedings.
A collision in William Street between a inward-bound tram and a butcher's cart led to James Bates of 116 William Street being thrown to the ground. He sustained cuts and bruises, received hospital treatment, and was later discharged home. Eyewitnesses offer differing accounts of whether brakes failed or Bates tried to cross the line as the tram moved from Palmer Street.
This morning limited tram service operated on several lines including Waverley Bondi Coogee and Circular Quay with ten cars in use on the King and Ocean routes. Officials planned stronger services later and anticipated suspension of service tomorrow while reserves were kept for possible continued operation.
Sufficient power was provided at the spectric power house for the advice in force. It was believed trains could run many more cars, but difficulties in equipping the new map with necessary appliances hindered the expansion.
Tailoresses Oniom reported at Tradea Hall that they are ready to strike immediately and refuse to produce uniforms for cabs. She said a maritime workers meeting is planned for Monday to discuss the situation.
A large crowd gathered at Bridge Street Tram Yard as the stall committee chairman interviewed applicants. Several men were offered permanent roles as drivers or conductors, while police kept watch along surrounding streets.
This afternoon there are football matches at Moore Park with no special tram service. Some cars will run on the Bordi and Conger lines throughout the afternoon until about six o'clock.
Conductors and drivers reported acts of intimidation at tram depots this morning. Picketing extended near depots as workers listed as available for duty were slapped or denied entry, with rumors of threats against those willing to work.
Steam motor drivers went on strike early this morning in La Perouse causing tram disruption. Union officials called drivers from the steam tram fleet to withdraw, electric cars were deployed to maintain service, and a reduced timetable was quickly established.
Citizens faced with walking home as tram service halted by strike. Some sympathized with government while others feared hardship from longer commutes and fewer meals. Vendors profited from crowds while transport options dwindled and riders weighed price changes.
In Sydney a tram strike disrupted two main routes William Street to Rosa Day and Darlinghurst to Sands, forcing residents in fashionable suburbs to walk or take cabs. Police kept order as crowds supported striking conductors and drivers, with sporadic arrests and tense exchanges near the Supreme Court and St James Church watching points.
Reports describe unrest among tramway workers and railway staff with sympathy for strikers to end the espionage system. Police orders to Sydney and Western constables passing through Barhurst are noted amid broader local tension. Also listed are band appointments and a local bootmaker advertisement claiming quality and value.
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