ITEMS FROM WELLINGTON.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14821, 12 November 1913, Page 10

ITEMS FROM WELLINGTON.

(■PZCIAI. TO "THE PRESS. ,, ) WELLINGTON, November 11. Owing to the difficulty experienced by private employers in securing drivers in connexion with the transportation of goods from tho wharves, the Government has taken over some of the horses and vehicles owned by Messrs O'Brien and Co.y which firm hag a contract with tho Government. They are being used for tho transport of equipment for the requirements of the Police Department. Tho Wellington Ministers' Association appeals to both the Employers' Federation and the Federation of Labour to exorcise* a more conciliatory spirit with mutual concessions. It also urges the Mayor to take steps to prohibit the public salo of intoxicating liquor, and calls upon each • individual Church to organise relief for women and children in its district who, through tho strike, require assistance. Sir John Findlay, in an interview in the "Post," recommends State control of waterside operations, tho work to. bo under the Railway Department or a special department. He believes that Australia would follow New Zealand's oxample, thus solving the difficult and dangerous problem of casual labour.

. It is said that several Chinese outwitted the Strike Comraitteo by, tho aid of European dummy buyers. Fifty cases of fruit were sent to the "Specials" camp. There is no prospect of waste as tho country districts can absorb plenty. . f

Large consignments of flour are arriving by railwayGknd despite their professions to the contrary the strike leaders'are dejected.

Mt is said that at tho Drivers' Union meeting, the'minority tried ha;d to get a ballot on the strike proposal, but without success. It is further stated that the minority will seek legal advice whether they have a remedy against tho Union in-tho matter of a penalty for striking and for loss of wages through leaving their carts.