WORK AND WAGES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 9445, 20 June 1891, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

[Special to Press Association.] [Received June 19, at 8 p.m.] PARIS, June 18. The rioting at Fourmies, where several people were shot by the troops at the beginning of last month, is being renewed. The workmen are displaying serious hostility to the authorities. [Received June 19, at noon.] THE UNION COMPANY’S SCHEME. SYDNEY, June 19. The Labour Party has received a cable message from Sir George Grey, congratulating it upon the success of its candidates at the elections. The Sydney Morning Herald eulogises the Union Steamship Company’s Benefit Society, and says that it fails to see how such air Association can interfere with the interests of Friendly Societies, but it is easy to see how the scheme will prove detrimental to Trades Unions. The Herald hints that Unionists can hardly wonder if a course similar to that adopted by the Union Company is generally followed by large employers of labour. TEE LABOUR CONFERENCE. (Ter Pfivf.s Amioo»*.Ttow,f WELLINGTON, June 19. The Labour Conference finished discussing the Factory Bill this morning, the general opinion being favourable to it; but an amendment, which has not been disclosed, was suggested by the Conference. The deputation will probably wait on Sir George Grey this evening. At the Labour Conference, this afternoon, the Employers’ Liability Bill, Shop Hours Bill and Factories Bill were considered in detail, and generally approved of by the delegates. DEPUTATION TO SIR GEORGE GREY. WELLINGTON, June 19. Sir George Grey was waited on to-night by Messrs Slater (Dunedin), Simpson (Christchurch) and D. P. Fisher (Wellington) as representing the Labour Conference which is at present sitting in Wellington. The deputation was introduced by Mr J. Kelly, M.H.R. (Invercargill) Who explained that the members of the Labour Conference were desirous of congratulating Sir George upon the improved state of his health, and upon his oixce more having entered Parliament. They also wished to tender him, on behalf of the working people of New Zealand, their sincere thanks for the assistance he had rendered the workers of Australia during his late visit to that continent. His efforts had resulted in a greater victory than even the most sanguine of them had anticipated. Mr Slater, President of the Dunedin Trades and Labour Council, spoke to the same effect, and asked Sir George to give his opinion on the Labour Bills at present before Parliament. Sir G. Grey pointed out that these Bills, when before the Lower House, had to be framed in such a way that there would be a fair chance of the Legislative Conncil assenting to them. This being so, the measures very often were so mutilated that they could with difficulty be recognised. His advice to them at present was not to trouble very much about the Labour Bills, but to use their best efforts to secure a good Constitution, and so prevent what privileges they had gained being taken from therm After they had secured a sound Constitution, they should direct their attention to framing Labour Bills in the very best form. While these Bills were going through the House, an effort might be made to break up the Labour Party, and he was of opinion that they should not attempt to get the measures through at that risk. He confessed that he did hot feel the enthusiasm about the Labour Bills that he did about other matters bearing on the working classes. Mr Slater assured Sir George that there was not the slightest chance of the Labour-Patty being divided over these Bills: Sir George said that, this being so, there was no harm in pushing the measures through. He promised to support them as far as lay in his power, and any communication from the Labour Party on the subject would be gladly received. AUCKLAND, June 19.

Henry Hertz was charged at the Police Court with insulting behaviour to William O’Brien. The affair arose out of the bootmakers’ strike. The prosecutor was a Unionist, and had returned to work. He was being " seen home,” as it is termed. Counsel for the defendant said ho was instructed by the Union to state, and he did so publicly, that expressions of sorrow were made that they should in any way have offended against the law, and that in future the Union would undertake to strictly observe the law. On behalf of the officers of the Union he distinctly stated that so far as the defendant was concerned, and also the Union, no steps would be taken against any person who might see fit to leave the Union, The charge was withdrawn.