SEAMEN'S WAGES.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXII, Issue LXII, 19 January 1912, Page 8

SEAMEN'S WAGES.

CONFERENCE AT WELLINGTON

WELLINGFTON, Jan. 18. A conference between representatives of the Seamen's Union and steamship owners, which was commenced in November last, and adjourned after a provisional agreement had been drawn up and signed by both parties, was resumed to-day, Mr P. Halley presiding. When the last conference sat it was decided that the agreement arrived at, which was made without prejudice to eit heir side, should remain in force, as the conference did not wish to make the terms final until the award of the Federal Arbitration Court was. made known.

Although the agreement was made s uhout prejudice to either side, th i u'l'on was of opinon that the question of preference to unionists had practicai'y teen settled, but it was found \t to day's meeting that such was not the case. The whole question was reopenedj and the greater part of today's sitting was occupied in discussing the subject in every aspect. When the meeting adjourned the question of preference had been' practically settled to the satisfaction of the union. It is' expected the conference will conclude to-morrow.