THE “FREE LABOR ” CONFERENCE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 3944, 29 May 1913, Page 5

THE “FREE LABOR ” CONFERENCE

MAY NOT NOW BE HELD

[PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.*! CHRISTCHURCH, May 28.

The latest developments in connection with the suggested) agreement between the shipping companies and the waterside workers on the subject of the employment ef free labor, point to the likelihood of tlie promised conference, to be attended by representatives of the shipping companies, not being held. It appears that protests which havo been made in different parts of the Dominion havo had-tho effect of postponing the consideration of the proposal —if not of leading those directly interested to drop it .altogether. In labor circles in Christchurch complete ignorance of the matter is the. attitude taken up by those approached for information.

Mr A. W. Bennett, of the New Zealand Shipping Co., informed a reporter to-day that the proposal for a conference of the -shipipng representatives in Christchurch aid not emanate from the New Zealand Shipping Co., but, on the contrary, the company did not consider it necessary to hold a conference at all.

At a meeting to-day of the committee of the Canterbury Sheep-own-ers’ Union, the following resolution was passed:

“That this meeting emphatically protests against any agreement being made such as has been suggested between the shipping companies and the Federation of Labor.”

To-day the rumor concerning the negotiations for an'agreement between the Federation of Labor and one or two shipping companies was discussed at meetings of the executive of tho Employers’ Association, Sheepowners’ Union, and Farmers’ Union. A representative of the “Press” was informed that the Sheepowners’ Federation, Farmers’ Union, and various trade organisations intend to disapprove of any such arrangement as has been spoken of and, if necessary, an appeal will be -made to the Government to try to save the situation if possible. Tho statement is made that some of those opposed to any arrangements to exclude free labor at' tho wharves will consider the possibility (as a last resort) of new shipping arrangements.

AN AUCKLAND PROTEST.

AUCKLAND, May 28. The following resolution was passed by a meeting of the Auckland master painters this evening:— “That this meeting of the Auckland Master Painters emphatically protests against the proposed agreement between the shipping companies and the Federation of Labor, excluding free labor as reported in the press, and considers that such action would have a most destructive effect on. • labor conditions throughout the Dominion.”