THE BOOTMAKERS STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8534, 7 April 1891, Page 5

THE BOOTMAKERS STRIKE.

The bootinakors' strike has entered on a new phase. Mr. J. M. Shera, M.H.R., has been .successful in inducing the Operative Bootmakers' Union to accept his- suggestion to meet tho Boob Manufacturers' Association in conference over their outstanding differences. It will be remembered that Mr. Shera's suggestion was that three representatives should bo appointed on each side; that these six should appoint other three representatives; and that the nine should then discuss' the matter and come to a decision which should not be binding on either side. Practically speaking and looking at Mr. Shera's suggestion " between the lines," what ho suggests is to leave the ultimate verdict with the Grand Jury—the colonial public— who will assuredly give a silent but an effectual verdict. When tho representatives of apparently conflicting interests can be got to meet amicably and intelligently to calmly discuss the points at issue half bho battle is over. In bringing matters to that stage Mr. Shera deserves the thanks of the combatants and of the community. The following correspondence speaks for itself :— ■■

Auckland Operative Bootmakers' Union. April 6th, 1891. J. M. Shera, Esq. Dear Sir, —In reply to yours of the 3rd, at a meeting of the Strike Committee, held this (lay, it was decided to accede to your suggestion ic conference of nine. Will you, if convenient, suggest Wednesday as the day to the other side ? The union will appoint their three representatives at a special meeting to be held to-morrow (Tuesday).—l am, etc., W. L. Harding; Secretary. J. M. Shera, Esq. Dear Sir, —I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter suggesting that a conference bo held between three members of the Boot Manufacturers' Association and three of the Operatives' Union, who shall elect three others, to discuss the present strike in the Auckland boot trade. At the same time I also received from the President of the Operative Bootmakers' Union a letter declining arbitration og conciliation from any source, but the letters will be laid before my executive tomorrow, and 1 hope that measures for a settlement will be devised in the interests not only of the trade, but of the public too. —I am,'etc., F. G. Ewington, Secretary Auckland Employers' Association.

TRADE MATTERS. One of the employers, Mr. Schofield, Parnell, has, it is stated, signed the new statement, and is taking on additional hands. Another of the men, a first-class workmen, is going to set up on his own account. A committee of the Bootmakers' Union intend discussing the details of the proposed' co-operative factory within a day or two. A further batch of men are wanted to proceed to Wellington for one of the Wellington factories. MANUFACTURERS' new WAGES statement.

The whole of the members of the Auckland Boot Manufacturers' Association met together -last evening to compile a new wages statement, and have made good progress, tho benching department receiving special consideration. The statement is to be completed with as little delay as possible. Free skilled labour has been engaged at several of the factories, in order to overtake the orders in hand. Bootmakers who have been working in various country districts are making application for factory work. Messrs. W. McArthur nd Co. advertise elsewhere that they are prepared to guarantee first-class men employment for a fixed period, and constant work will be furnished in every department.

THE MACHINISTS' UNION AND THE TAILORS. The ordinary meeting of the Auckland Tailor*' Union was held yesterday evening at the Y.M.C, A. Rooms, when a deputation of members of the Boot Machinists' and Fitters' Union attended, and explained the demands made in their statement to 'the boot manufacturers. The meeting passed a resolution agreeing to support the boot machinists and fitters in the dispute. «