WORK AND WAGES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 9168, 30 July 1890, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

[BY EIBCTBIO TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT.] [Special to Press Association.] [Eecoived July 29, nt 12.50 p.m.] LONDON, July 28. The Lancashire colliershavo warned tho pitowners that they will go outon strike on August 1, unless their demand for 5 per cent" increase in wages is conceded, Acting on advice, the dock labourers in South Wales will interview the owners to-day, in tho hope of forcing the Dock Companies to declare a general lock-out, I Received July SO, at 1 a.m.] The Cardiff dock labourers have returned to work, a compromise having been arranged, 1 Five ironmasters in tho West of Scotland havo announced that a reduction will bo made nest month of 10 per cent in steel smelters’wages. The men oppose this step. [Received July 29, at 12.40 p.m.] BRISBANE, July 29, At a meeting of employers, presided over by Sir Thomas M’llraith, it was decided to take steps to cope with the inroads of labour organisations. [Received July 29, at 9.40 p.rd.J SYDNEY, Jolt 29. The marine officers havo withdrawn the proposals submitted to the owners on June 25. They are indignant at the attitude of the latter, who, they assert, informed them that their requests were moderate, and promised a definite reply. Notwithstanding this promise tho answer, they complain, has never been sent. CHEISTCHUECH WOEKING MEN’S CO-OPEEATIVE bOCIETY. Tho third quarterly meeting of this Society was held in the Druids’ Hall last night. Thera was a good attendance. The chair was occupied by Mr J. Ilisiop, who spoke of the success which had attended a similar institution at Home. That Society now did a business of which the turn-over amounted to .£BO,OOO a year. Some of tho profits were devoted to educational purposes and charity. The Secretary read the quarterly report, in which reference was made to the recent action of the Grocers’ Association in inducing the merchants and some producers to refuse to supply the store. This action had caused some temporary inconvenience, bat had failed m its object, as they had been able to make even better arrangements than previously for their supplies. The membership now numbered one hundred and fifty-four, and weekly sales had reached nearly £IOO. The report and balance-sheet were unanimously adopted. Mr J. A. Efiord was re-elected Secretary, and Messrs D. Booth and W. _ Skinner, gear,, were elected to two vacancies on the Committee. The meeting passed a resolution in favour of shopping early, to avoid employing the hands late on Saturday afternoons. Several matters of interest to the members having been discussed, the meeting terminated with a hearty vote of thanks to tho Chairman and Committee, THE STONEMASONS. The adjourned meeting of the Stonemasons’ Union was held last night, in the Temperance Hall, Gloucester street. The following officers wore elected: —Mr John. Smith, PresidentMr W. Wilkinson, Yice-President; Mr J. Taylor, Secretary ; Mr J. Kennington, Treasurer. A Committee, consisting of Messrs Kennington, Hodd, and J. Smith (Ferry road), was appointed to revise and complete the rules. The members, having paid their initiation fees, adjourned for a week, after passing a vote of thanks to the promoters, A meeting of the New Zealand Federated Marine Tally Clerks’ Union, Lyttelton, was held on Monday night. There was a very good attendance. Mr P. Brown, President of the Wharf Labourers, and member of the Maritime Council, was present by invitation, and addressed a few words to the members which were received with applause. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Brown for his attendance. The rules, were then considered, several of which were passed, the remainder being held over till the next meeting. It was decided to allow persons to join at the reduced rate until Sept. 1. The Secretary was instructed to write to all porta explaining the business transacted, &c.

‘At the meeting of the Civil Service Association the action taken and threatened to be taken by certain sections of the House with regard to salaries, the Bill now before the House, and the result of the combination formed by the Post and Telegraph officials, were considered. With regard to the Civil Service Bill, the feeling of the meeting was that the Bill should be passed as soon as possible, so as to place tho service on a solid and permanent footing. Exception was taken to some of the provisions of the Bill, especially the proposal that the three next senior officers shall be recommended by the Board for any vacancy. The actual qualification of seniority is also unpopular. It is understood that the Association will be allied with the Eailway Servants’ Union. It is probable that another meeting will be held this week, at which the heads of departments will be invited to be present.