AUSTRALIAN LABOUR TROUBLES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8538, 19 March 1908, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN LABOUR TROUBLES.

A UNION'S ACTION. (By Electric Telegraphr-Copyright.) , Par Press Association. : (Received March 19th, 9.32 a.m.) • SYDNEY, March 19. A strike of clippers at Pelawmain and wheelers at Back Creek ha 3 rendered both pits idle. Strikes are now in progress at iour pits. As a result of the stoppages the sittings of the Special Mining Court have been brought to a standstill The Minors' Federation has decided.to adopt more stern methods in dealing with these- hasty and ill-advised strikes on the part of various sections of colliery workers, and adopted a resolution calling on the-strikers to resume work immediately. Failing this, they, will be expelled from the Federation, and also calling on the lodges concerned to use every effort to keep their respective pits going. Tho resolution adds:—"Wo think the time has arriyed when each lodge should realiso its responsibility and force its members to keep within the constitution of the federation. THE WHARF STRIKE. (Received March 19th. 10.36 a.m.) SYDNEY. March 19. Strike matters are still very unsettled. The Ship Painters' and Dockers' Union has decided not. to work on any steamers of the three coastal companies. The Masters' and Engineers' Association also decided not to handle any cargo for transhipment from the coastal companies while the. dispute lasts. The Wharf Labourers' Union discussed the stevedores' proposals for dealing with cargo, and agreed to the transhipment of cargo lying at the deep sea wharves, but not including cargo which left tho coastal boats after 12 on Sunday night. It will bo handled without reference to whore it came from. Mr Hughes states that the Wharf Labourers' Union discussed Mr Wade's arbitration proposals, and ..decided to support the executive in refusing the offer. ' „ ~ " ~ ~ A special sitting of the Arbitration Court was hold to hear an application by tho Registrar for directions in regard to the strike. The application set out tho facts which led up to the trouble. The president pointed out that, Wharf Labourers' Union was not an industrial union, and the Court could not compel them to file a claim if they refused to do so. He directed the union to file a claim within seven days. Mr Hughes declares an attempt is being made to thrust arbitration upon tho Union and make the Union give ,its case away. Come what may, he is determined to see the thing through rather than do that. If the attempt was persisted in there would be serious trouble for a few. days.