SHIPOWNERS AND UNIONS,

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 5347, 18 November 1885, Page 2

SHIPOWNERS AND UNIONS,

At a meeting of shipowners and others interested in shipping business, hold at the Auckland office of the Northern SteamBhip Company, it was resolved — "That shipowners and others interested in the shipping of Auckland communicate with the owjiers of shipping in all ports in New Zealand to unite to resist what is regarded as the undue demands of labor, even to the extent of laying up their veseels." Some discussion then took place as to the trading of foreign vessels on the New Zealand coast, which was proving most damaging to shipping interest, owing to the low rate of freight which foreign owned vessels accepted, and also to a stand being made by the various unions. It was felt that the attitude of the union waa oppressive to shippers, and it would be better if o*ners were not to recognise unions. All their rules were worse than their wages demands. It wa3 ultimately resolved "That a committee of four be appointed f or, the purpose of obtaining assistance in pulling down the present obnoxious pressure placed upon shipping interests by the Seamen's and Firemen's Union, and fixing the rate of wages ; steamers to be laid up if necessary until such time as satisfactory arrangements can be made, to carry on their business." A committee of four was appointed to give effect to the above resolution. ■

The dentists of Berlin have organised a "society to energetically oppose the charlatans and charlatanism of the profession." : The report of the South African Pr>st-master-t ieimral for the year 1884 show that the weight of diamonds which passed through the Post-office during that year was 1811 pounds 8 ounces. With 4576 miles of navigable rivers and 2900 of canals, the French railways encouuter some competition.