THE LABOUR QUESTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 33, 9 February 1891, Page 3

THE LABOUR QUESTION.

SOUTH WALES COLLIERIES STOPPED.

NEW ZEALAND FREIGHTS.

London, February 8. In consequence of the labour difficulty the South Wales collieries have stopped work. Three thousand coalheavers are idle at Cardiff, and they have asked the railway men to boycott goods carried for the shipping federation. Two thousand dock labourers have offered help to the shipping federation in loadiug and discharging vessels. It is improbable that an appeal will be made against the decision of Mr Justice North, who ruled that the Dock Committee had a right to compel the shipowners to discharge their own vessels, and the latter tvill now make arrangements with the Committee for the discharge ol vessels on the best terms possible. The Peninsular and Oriental Company have already begun negotiations with the Dock Committee. The freights by steam cargo boats to New Zealand average 7s 6d per ton above those by sailing vessels, and the rate is meeting with a good deal of objection at the hands of shippers. The " Pall Mall Gazette " commends the action taken by Mr H. H. Champion, the English labour advocate, during the recent strike in the colonies, and declares that events justified the statements made by him regarding it.