WORK AND WAGES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 9167, 29 July 1890, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. COPYRIGHT.! [Special to Press Association.] [Received July 28, at. 12.15 p.m.l MELBOURNE, July 28, A mass meeting of unemployed was held on Saturday, when the speakers recommended the men to make work if Government refused to open relief works. It is proposed to hold midnight meetings this week. SYDNEY, July 28, The sheepownera in the Germantown district have resolved to continue to ignore the Shearers’ Union, the Squatters undertaking to deliver their wool at the port of 'shipment. The shipowners declare that the acceptance of the seamen’s labour rules will involve such a serious increase of expenditure as to virtually prohibit the carrying on of shipping business. The • conference between the Marine Engineers and Owners is fixed for September. [Received July 29, at 1.20 a.m.] The Seamen's Union, in reply to th a owners, state that the new rules are intended to remedy a number of substantial grievances, and they are confident that if the owners care to look into the matter it will be found that steamers can bo worked with little extra expense. The labour clauses are based on fair and just lines, and are absolutely necessary to secure the proper treatment of members. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, July 28. The master bakers and operatives had an interview to-night on the wages question. The latter, as the result of a previous meeting, demanded that the lowest scale of wages should be—Foreman A!3, second hand £2 10s, and third hand £2 ss. After considerable discussion, a compromise was arrived at, the masters agreeing to pay the following as the lowest scale: Foremen £2 15s, second £2 sa, third £2. This was accepted by the men. The tanners, outers and fellmongers of this district have formed a union, arid have decided to federate with the Trades and Labour Council. WELLINGTON, July 28. At a meeting of the local branch of the Railway Servants’ Society, it was stated that piece-work had been introduced, in violation of the understanding with the Commissioners. Two men so engaged made only 16a 4d a week, their ordinary rate being 9s to 10s per day. It was decided to bring the matter before the Railway authorities and Executive.

In reference to the Railway Society’s complaint, re piece-work, Mr M‘Kerrow states that since the delegates left Wellington, the brass-moulders at Petone complained of the smallness of their wages, and in order to give them an opportunity to make as much as the men at the Addington workshops, the Petone moulders were put on piece-work. THE BRUNNER MINERS. GEBYMOUTH, July 28, The coal miners admit that the examination of the Grey Valley Coal Company’s books bears out Mr Kennedy’s statement that the price paid for coal on the gross weight system entails a loss on the Company. After discussion, it was proposed to reduce the price of hewing coal (pillar workings only) twopence per ton, on condition that the railway and Union Steamship Company agree to make some reduction. If they agree to this, that will make the sixpence per ton the Company requires. The miners will make no reduction in the price of hewing solid coal, which is much harder to get than coal in pillars. The miners expected an answer to this proposal to-day, and will hold another meeting to-morrow. Numerous meetings have been held within the last few days. The townspeople are getting short of coal already, no stocks having been laid in. Many are talking of sending to Westport for a supply. OAMARU, July 28. The farmers here have formed a Union to protect their interests, and in order that all demands made by labour organisations may be discussed by the bodies interested, and, if possible, any friction averted. Circulars will be sent to all Farmers’ Clubs and similar bodies in the Colony, asking their co-operation in forming a strong Union. DUNEDIN, July 28. Several of the railway employees in Dunedin were to-day called on to work overtime, without any mention being made of pay allowed for extra work. The local branch of the Servants’, Union baa taken the matter in hand. MASTER PLUMBERS. A meeting of master plumbers and gasfitters .was held at the Shades Hotel last evening, for the purpose of considering the advisableness of amalgamating for their common interests. Mr T. Havell was voted to the chair. He referred to the object of the meeting and spoke of some of the great works that had been carried out by plumbers. Mr John Dunn vras elected Secretary pro tem. Mr Taylor referred to the advantages of amalgamation, and urged the maintenance of kindly feelings amongst masters themselves and between masters and men. He moved, —“ That it is desirable to form a Union of Master Plumbers and Gasfitters of Christchurch.” Mr J. Parry seconded the motion, which was carried after some little discussion. A Committee was appointed to interview those master plumbers who were not present, to ascertain their views and report to a future meeting. After some general discussion as to the most advisable measures to be taken, the meeting adjourned.