THE LABOR WORLD.

Mataura Ensign, 24 January 1912, Page 6

THE LABOR WORLD.

SYDNEY WHARF LABORERS. IT ELECTRIC TFXFORArn —COPYRIGHT PKB nyiTEn r"fs«> < ronm , TT ,, N SYDNEY, Jan. 23. The position at the wharves is considere dcritical. Much depends on tomorrow's conference. There was a general shortage of labor to-day and several steamers were held up. Others are working with a few hands. Produce merchants are in a dilemma and are unable to get delivery of supplies. The wharf laborers declare +1 at there is little use going to work pending the conference, which might result in a general upheaval. The Adelaide Company's wharf is still deserted. ' THE SEAMEN'S CONFERENCE. I'r.u rr«r— T.-PT-C' t<^ncMTTON WELLINGTON, Jan. 23. The conference between representatives of the Seamen's Union and the Shipping Companies came to an abrupt termination this afternoon when the union officials, owing to difference of opinion with the companies' ■. represenleft the room. It is understood that tatives, gathered up their papers and a hitch occurred when conditions of work were being discussed. 9 One of the men's representatives informed a reporter that the shipping companies had been guilty of a breach of faith and had gone back on something to which tliey had previously agreed. Beyond this meagre statement nothing could be learned from the union officials, while the owners' representatives declined to make any statement whatever. Later in the day the companies representatives again met some Union officials. It is understood that the breach was healed up and that the conference will be continued to-mor-row. BRISBANE TRAM EMPLOYEES. BRISBANE, Jan. 23. The tram employees were given till noon to-day to resume work, but none returned. The manager states that ho will now fill their places with nonUnionists. Local carters threaten to refuse to cart fuel. Developments are expected to-morroW.