The Northern Guardian. — 1893-05-23 (Hartlepool, Cleveland, England)

HULL LABOUR TSPUTE.  Latest from the Docks.  Attempted Suicide 6f an Official.  TUESDAY NORNINc  When the official announcement was made last Friday that the strike had been settled, it was decided not to resume work until to-day. In spite of the decision which was agreed to by the majority—practically the whole of the men.— several instances occurred on Saturday where men applied for and obtained work at the docks. This has caused dissatisfaction amongst those who were prepared to faithfully abide by the compact, especially when it is remembered that the great bulk of the work is being performed by free labourers, concerning whom the Federation are pledged, to quote the words of the statement issued by the local committee, "to stand by anal not discharge such men as they are bound to and require." _ _ _ _  The outbreaks of yesterday only tended to confiTriTihe apprehension felt by the police authorities that when Wrnik -commenced this morning there would be an exhibition of feeling between the two parties, unionists and it-on-unionists, and in view of this efficient police protection had been provided to cope with any emergency.  At six o'clock the town docks had been thrown open, and the men congregated about the boats ready to be taken on. Much surprise was manifested that the Albert Dock was not opened, and only those who were armed with passes were allowed upon the dock premises. Quite a crowd of dockers had assembled on the (T) Bridge, and at eight o'clock as many of them as are required to efficiently work the various vessels were put on. Work was commenced in earnest on the railway dock at an early hour, unionists and non-unionists working together without distinction. A number of lighters were taken into the docks to further the immediate complete working of the vessels. Work ha=letibeeircotrimenca iii the other docks. Auumber Of men were eniaia-if Wilson's offices to commence work in one of the holds of the Milo. It was stated that in every ease nonunionists wo employed, but it is only fair to add that this statement was made by those who were engaged. At the Alexandra Dock no effort was made to commence work at he usual hour. As many men as were required were taken on to commence work at nine o'clock. As at all the other docks, numbers of men assembled in search of employment.  The painful news became known early this morning that Mr Thomas Chi.sterfield, district secretary of the Dockers' Union, had attempted to commit suicide by cutting his throat. This took place at his residence, Hope Terrace, Walker Street. Medical attendance was at once secured, and everything done to prevent the injuries taking a more serious form. Mr Chesterfield only yesterday, we believe, remarked at the Trade Dockers Offices that he should cut his throat before the day was over. Those who heard it did not attach any importance to the statement, believing it to be simply an expression of weariness, as Mr Chester. field had for some weeks been suffering acntely. Mr Chesterfield, who is in a critical condition, made a statement before he attempted the deed, in which lie said that lie could not face the misery he saw before the men through the action of the Shipping Federation.