Labour Demonstration.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXIV, Issue 195, 19 August 1890, Page 2

Labour Demonstration.

London', August 17, The celebration of the anniversary of the Dockers' strike was of a very enthusiastic character, The demonstration took place in Hyde Park, and amongst the numerous banners displayed, was one showing* the English aud Australian Dockers shaking hands, whilo {mother represented tho Australian handing a cheque to the Britishers. Mr Burns reviewed the action taken during the strike, aud stated that the contributions from the Colonies was nearly £-10,000. The hearty thanks of tbe dookmen he said were owing to ihe Colonials for the handsome manner in which they bad come to their assistance. He regretted very much that it was impossible for him to make a visit to Australia and show gratitude by assisting in breaking down the unworthy action of the capitalists. In concluding he said he hoped that the labour reform would . be successful, and as he waved a flag with | the picture of a Kangaroo and the words " Advance Australia," the immense assemblage gave three cheera. Mr Tom Mann, President of the Dockers' Union, eulogised the action of Australia in sending money to assist the Dockers, and stated that if he got a cablegram from any responsible authority in Australia asking for help in a strike the question would accordingly be submitted to the Union, but it would be granted without discussion. Ifaniessags was received not to work certain ships, these j would ba blocked out at every port while blacklegs were employed on board. Mr Edwards, a prominent member of the Union, spoke in a similar strain, and moved I a resolution, which was passed, expressing gratitude to Australia for assistance rendered during the Dock labourers' strike. Later. In the course of his speech at Hyde Park yesterday, Mr John Burns asserted that the dock labourers' strike of last year had increased the wages of the London dockers by a sum of £'500,000, and those at the other ports in Great Britain had benefited to the extent of £700,000. LisoussiLg the whole labour ouestiou throughout the world, Mr Burns claimed that seven hundred million (*h*) labourers had by their agita tions gained in the aggregate the sum of thirty millions per annum. Of ISO strikes they had only been defeated ou two occasions, The success of the labour agitations had greatly increased the strength ot! the unions, and in Loudon alone the memberships of tlie various unions had increased by 130,000. Referring to the failure of the thrcatem-d strike oi' police aud posemen, he attributed it to the trc.ii.hery of sume of the members ffe applauded the action of the Greua ier Guards, and announced that ho would not commence a social revolution until the people had more leisure, aud were befc'cr prepared, educated, and disciplined.