INDUSTRIAL MATTERS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16507, 26 April 1919, Page 9

INDUSTRIAL MATTERS.

STRIKE OF MINERS. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and .N'.Z. Cab.« Association.) SYDNEY, April 25. Tliere are now (jOoO mineis .idle in the Northern District. (Received April 25th, 10.30 p.m.) There were no fresh developments in the coal crisis to-day. _ The secretary of the Northern Collieries Association is negotiating with Mr Watt. TROUBLE IN FREMANTLE. (Received April 25th, 10.20 p.m.) FREMANTLE. April 25. The lumpers' dispute has not been settled. ' Feeling is running high. IV o hundred police constables are campec on the wharf. Agitators are urging direct action to obtain food. A message from Fremantle to the Melbourne "Argus" on Tuesday of last week said: The position on the Fremantle wharves remains unchanged, and no work was carried on to-day. Last night the secretary of the Association of employers of waterside labour made the following statement:— "What occurred on the wharf early this morning was practically a repetition of what occurred prior to the midday pickup on Saturday. The old hjmpers being in overwhelming numbers forced the National workers from the wharf, notwithstanding the presence of a large bodv of police, which was obviously unable to prevent them doing so. In these circumstances, and as it was evident that any attempt on the part of the Nationalists to return to the pickup bureau would bring about a serious collision, tho representatives of the employers decided to postpone for the time being commencing work on any ships in the harbour. The position is that under a pledge given to. the National workers bv both the Federal and State Governments at the times when they came to the assistance of the country in the 1917 strike those men have to be given preference of employment. and are also entitled to the fullest protection necessary to enable them to enjoy those privileges without interference. Therefore, pending adefiliate provision being made bv the authorities for the proper protection ot Nationalists, the work of tbe port cannot he proceeded with, but it is expected that the stoppage will be oi i short duration." A SETTLEMENT. (Eeuter's Telegrams.) (Received April 20th. 1.30 a.m.) • . LONDON. April 24. Tlie Limerick strike lias been settled.