SUGAR WORKERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 August 1920, Page 6

SUGAR WORKERS

SETTLEMENT ANTICIPATED

WELLINGTON, August 10. The Minister of Labour was asked this afternoon by Mr. if. J. Savage whether he was aware that the Conciliation Commissioner in Auckland had failed to effect a settlement of the dispute between the sugar workers and the company, and would lie see that the Labour Disputes Investigation Act was put into effect before a strike took idace?

Sir William" Herries said, in reply, that he.was hopeful that a settlement would be achieved, and that the sugar workers would not be so foolish as to strike. The original application was for the dispute to be dealt with under the Labour Disputes Investigation Act, but while they were preparing the papers, the Sugar Company proceeded in accordance ■ with the Arbitration Act, since both parties were registered under that Act. In consequence, the Commissioner endeavoured to bring about a settlement. The proper course for the workers to pursue, since the conciliation proceedings had failed, was to proceed to the Arbitration Court, which was sitting at the present time at Auckland. The matter could probably be dealt with immediately. He had instructed the Conciliation Commissioner to approach both parties again to see if a settlement could be made. The Commissione;r had also been told to tell the men that if they diet 'strike it would be an unlawful strike, sirc3 their proper course was to go to the Arbitration Court. Such an act would also be makii g war against the general public, sines the supplies of sugar would be stopped. He was still hopeful that the efforts of Mr. Newton, the Commissioner, would b" successful, and that a strike would be averted. AUCKLAND, August 30. The sugar workers are endeavouring to enlist the sympathy of Parliament in their endeavour to secure higher wages and better working conditions. A "circular letter covering various phases of the dispute, which threatens to culminate in a strike at midn'cht on Saturday next, has been drawn up, and will be circulated amongst members of the House. (Pur Pmst Ua.H'i'H.t.irkrt > SUGAR WORKERS' AUCKLAND, August 13.— 1*0 sett I' merit has been reached :n the sugar workers' dispute, and it is understood that the emnlovees are determined, in the event rf 'he ether s : de not coming forward with acce r> tab 1 e proposals to adheve to their determination to cease work at midnight to-morrow.