WORK AND WAGES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15922, 7 May 1912, Page 7

WORK AND WAGES.

THE COAL MINERS. United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyricht. LONDON, May 6. The Lancashire and Cheshire Miners' Federation has decided not to adhere to the demand for a minimum of 7s. WHARF LABOURERS. SYDNEY, May 6. The agreement between the shipping companies and wharf labourers, which was drawn up at the conference in January, has not been signed by the president of the Wharf Labourers' Union, because it provides heavy penalties for striking. The president's action has been endorsed by a mass meeting of the men, at which it was stated that thero were no present intentions of striking, but the meeting refused to give up the right.

A SIX HOURS' DAY. BRISBANE, May 6. Speakers at the eight hours' dinner declared that the time had arrived to seek a six hours' day. AUCKLAND WATERSIDE WORKERS. [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, May 6. When tho waterside workers' dispute was mentioned in the Arbitration Court to-day, Mr Grosvenor, for the employers, asked that an award should be made in terms of the findings of the Conciliation Council. Mr Smith appearod for tho Union Company _ and several other employers, who objected to an award.

Mr Way said the Union objected to an award being forced upon it, as it had cancelled its registration under the Act. There was somo dispute about the matter, but the facts were that the date the representatives of the masters and the men were called together by the Commissioner of the Conciliation Council in a minor 'dispute, was two days after tho time in which objection could be taken to the cancellation of the Union's registration under tho Act.

His Honor asked why the employers wanted an award when the Union objected. Was it desirable under the circumstances ? Mr Grosvenor: Wo want some security. His Honor:" Against what ? Mr Grosvenor: Against any attempt of the Union to strike or disregard the so-called agreement that has been entered into.

Mr Way: With the big bulk of employers there already is an agreement, and Mr Grosvenor is dealing with only a small section.

His Honor suggested that the employers should consider whether the application for an award should not be withdrawn. They would simply bind themselves. If an award were mado, in tho event of a strike they would have to comply with its conditions, while perhaps other employers were paying less wages. Mr Grosvenor asked for time to consult the employers ho represented. The Court stated that tho case would be called on again later.

There is a case on the list in which the Waterside Workers' Union is alleged to have committed a breach of the Act when the recent strike took place, and it was agreed that this should 1 be heard On Monday next.

PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS. [Per Prkss Association*.] WELLINGTON, May 6. An organisation, under the general title or tlit Wellington Performing Musicians' Industrial Union of Workers, has cited a number of employers of musicians as parties to a dispute to be heard' by the Conciliation Council on May 15.' The parties cited include the various-refreshment rooms, dancing assemblies and picture companies. Some of the demands for payment are:— Rehearsals from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., ss; after 6 p.m., 10s; rehearsals on public holidays, 13s 4d; weekly engagements, six nights £4; casual performances, 21s; for permanent engagements at picture shows, vaudeville" and circuses. £3 for six nights, one matinee, with t.'/o rehearsals; continuous shows, £3 for six consecutive performances of three consecutive hours.

[Fnoir Our ConnEsi-o.vnjcNT.]

The Wellington Musicians' Union, in applying for an award, cited, in addition to the theatres, tea rooms, picture shows, Mr Maughan Baniott, the conductors of the municipal orchestra, Royal Choral Society, Orphans' and Savage Clubs, Wellington Musical Union and Liedertafel. It requires payment* at grand opera rates for concerts, oratorio and amateur operatic productions, except by amateur musical societies, when the rates shall be a guinea a performance and 5s on each rehearsal. The secretary of the Royal Choral Society declares'that such an award would crush all art and make an orchestra impossible. Over a dozen of the Society's players are amateurs, and to run an orchestra would cost £4O per concert. The members of the Savage Club are equally alarmed at the prospects. The dispute will come before tho Conciliation" Council shortly.

THE GREEN ISLAND MINERS. [Per Prks<: Association'.] DUNEDIN, May 0

The position with regard to the dispute at Christie's mine, Green Island, has not improved. The men have arranged to get their tools from the mine to-morrow morning, and the matters in dispute have been referred by them to the Federation of Labour. Mr Webb (president of the Federation) is expected to arrive by the firp f express from the north to-morrow.