EIGHT HOURS LIMIT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 246, 16 October 1891, Page 4

EIGHT HOURS LIMIT.

SCENE IN THE SYDNEY PARLIAMENT.

y THE PREMIER OBJECTS TO THE CLAUSE. ' ■

STRONG OPPOSITION FROM MR McMillan.

Sydney, this day. On the motion for the third reading of the Coal Mines Bill, which legalises the eight hours limit of labour, Mr McMillan", formerly Treasurer of the present Ministry, moved its re-committal, opposing the legalisation of an eight hours' system for one class cf the community and not for another. Sir H. Parkes disclaimed responsibility for the insertion of a clause which the Minister of Mines had assented to while he was absent from the House,-through illness. He opposed the fixing of £he Hours of labour. Legislation on the subject was not wanted, as. the working: man was sufficiently powerful to make good his will in the matter, without the aid of Parliament. Ho would retire from olfico rather than assent to tho clause. Mr Garton moved the adjournment of the debate. The Premier asserted that if tho motion was not carried the Goverainent would not proceed with the Bill. They would nob submit to a refusal to adjourn. Eventually the adjournment was negatived by 49 to 41. •Sir H. Parkes said that in view of his previous statement he had no alternative but fco ask the House to adjourn, which was carried amidst considerable excitement.

At the Warden's Court yesterday protection was/grante'd;for four .months to the Grbfrii Mines Company for thb CrtnV'n Minis special olalim, and Monastery; Crown Extended, Abbey and Roderick Dhu licensed holdinKS. ' ', \ . . .

The numerous friends of Mr S. D. Hanna will learn with regret thab he meb with a painful accident yesterday afternoon. He' is chief engineW of the Freezing Works, and. was starting >some' new machinery, when the index finger of the left hand was caughjb .and badlypruphed.' Dr. Coom was called in and ordered Mr.**Hanna. to: be talfen to the Hospital, where..the finger was amputated, bub nob till an ;hour had elapsed.. '