THE LABOUR CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8372, 27 September 1890, Page 5

THE LABOUR CONFERENCE.

[BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Friday. I understand th.it at the Labour Conference Messrs. Lo nuts anil Ansell will represent the Maritime Council and the Miners arid Labourers' Association; Meyers and Hutchinson the Storemen's Union Graham, the tailors; Johnston, shop assistants ; Avery, painters ; Mudge, carpenters ; Jones, typographical. I have not heard whether there is to bo any representation of the free labourers in this industrial convocation. I am told that the Premier lias refused to be a party or to allow the Government to be a party, in any manner, sense, or form to the proceedings, or to bo represented during the discussion. It has been intimated that the basis of any settlement or agreement in regard to any phase of the questions to be considered must be determined by the employers and employed when they shall have met in conference. Communications have been received from other employers of labour in different parts of the colony expressing a willingness to attend, but expressing at the same time doubt as to the result of the conference. The number altogether is very small, anil some excuse themselves on the ground that they have no dispute with the men on strike who have declined to accept the labour offered, that being constrained in consequence to engage other hands who were willing to accept the work for the wages offered, and with conditions annexed, there is no loam standi left to either side for the purposes of a conference.

The following telegram has been sent to the Premier with reference to the proposed Labour Conference at Wellington: —"Inasmuch as Auckland employers are bound to protect the free labour which has come to their assistance.in the present difficulty, they see no good in a conference until the unions acquiesce in the right of employers to take on unionists and free labourers indiscriminately. On that being agreed upon, and the labour party stating the points they wish to bring under discussion, the Auckland employers will further consider the propriety of appointing delegates."