THE BAKERS' DISPUTE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 261, 28 July 1908, Page 7

THE BAKERS' DISPUTE.

A STRIKE ONLY IN NAME. THE END IN SIGHT. Wellington people do not scorn to be aware that a striko is in existence in their city, and especially one connected with an article of prime .importance such as bread. Nominally thero is a strike, virtually tliero is not. The bakers' operatives are simply out of work, and assisting to swell the ranks of tho unemployed. The men declared a strike, and seemed to think tho community would, bo starved, but tlioy mado a ; mistake. Just about enough money is. coming in from outsido unions to meet the striko pay, but there is an absence of ready response. Something must happen soon, for the Trades and Labour Council or outside unions cannot be expected to contribute funds to float a' sinking .ship. The -outstanding feature is that, excepting the first two or thrco days of the strike, no serious public inconvenience lias been caused. The operatives were only a small body of men—forty-four all told—and their places wero easily filled. Not Only is this so, but there are differences of opinion among those concerned in tho movement. Tho operatives wanted to manage tho thing by themselves, and they bungled matters. They then had' to appeal for assistance to the Council, but it was too late, nothing could bo done, and tlio failure was too apparent for tho carters and other unions connected with the trado to strike in.sympathy.. That is bow the matter stands, and it will probably remain so until tho men are absorbed in other places. THE MASTERS' POINT OF VIEW. With a view of ascertaining from master bakers themselves how they aro faring, a reporter called upon several, yesterday, and one and all spoke in a jubilant strain. Mr. W. Tonks, junior, said that practically all tho required loaves wero being turned out, but there was a vacancy for one man. "At first," said Mr. Tonks, "we wero a bit upside down with the new men, but everything is'all right now, and we aro meeting tho requirements of our customers. It is eight years since I did any baking, but I had to turn to until yesterday to keep the flag flying, and now I can got on witli my ordinary work. Somo of tho small men have done well and captured a little more than their ordinary trade/but this will right itself in time." Mr! W. A. Kellow is turning out a full supply, and ho has now only to work on big days, Tuesdays and Saturdays. Ho engaged a man yesterday. Mr. J. llced, Taranaki Street, had ono baker before the striko, but since then ha had to do tho work liimsolf. Mr. „ Reed has a vacancy for one man. Mr. MTarland has a, full staff, and he is not now working himself. Everything is going on as usual, and all his customers aro being supplied) , The wifo of one baker is busily engaged. Sho gets up at half-past five in the morning and works with the others. She does it cheerfully, and says "It's only for a timo." Tho bakery in Webb Street, run by two of the strikers, is still keeping going. Conspicuous on the front window of tho shop attachod is tho legend: "Corporative Bread." HELP FOR THE MEN. Mr. W. H. Westbrooke, secretary of the Trades and Labour Council, told a' reporter that a fair amount of money was received from outside unions yesterday morning. (BY TELEGEArn—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Reefton, July 27. Tho Inangahua Minors' Union, at 'its annual meeting, voted £20 to .tho Bakers' Union, Wellington, and a levy of 6d. per week.