THE LABOUR STRUGGLE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 995, 27 March 1891, Page 32

THE LABOUR STRUGGLE.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) London, March 18. Sir John Gcrst urges the Government to formulate a distinct labour programme. London, March 19. The Standard says that the Marquis of Hartington has agreed to preside at the Labour Commission. London, March 20. At the Conference of the Miners’ Federation it was resolved to prosecute the Eight Hours Bill movement apart from the Labour Commission. London, March 21, Miners at Durham who went out on strike in sympathy with the tenants evicted from the estate of the Marquis of Londonderry at Silksworth have resumed work on the terms offered by the masters. Mr Ben Tillett, one of the Unionist leaders, considers that the Labour Commission must be issued shortly, whether the Unionists accept the Federation ticket or not. General Booth has pledged himself not to despatch any men to districts in which strikes are taking place. London, March 22. Lord Derby has been nominated to the Labour Commission. Brisbane, March 19. The Federal Council of Pastoralists have announced that after the 20th inst they intend to introduce free labour to take the place of the shearers who have gone out on strike, and they will guarantee all the men they take on employment for an extended period. Brisbane, March 20. Matters in the shearing districts are dis« quieting. An attempt was made to wreck a special train by placing logs across the rails, and the telegraph wires were also cut. The Government have ordered the loaders of anv party offering intimidation to be arrested. All shearers have been ordered to lay down tools on 23rd March. Word was received in this city this afternoon that three hundred Unionists had taken possession of Capella, a small township near Clermont. I hey compelled the publicans to supply them with free drinks, after which they proceeded to destroy the telegraph line to Retro Station, and wound up by setting fire to a quantity of goods belonging to ths Railway Department. The latest news from the disturbed districts states that a body of some SO Unionists visited Lome station, near Blackall, and while the manager of the station was interviewing them in the woolshed, the building was set on fire, and the flames obtaining a good mastery it was soon burnt to the ground. All the grass between Lome and Terrick stations has been fired, and the Unionists have lit several grass fires in the the vicinity of Barcaldino. Unionists to the number of about 1200 are drilling every day at Barcaldine. The Rockhampton infantry have been called out on active service, and will leave at once for the scene of the trouble. Brisbane, March 22. The Unionists continue their threatening attitude in the country districts. Yesterday a large force surrounded a contingent of free shearers, and the assistance of the police had to be called into requisition.

The Unionists were ordered to withdraw, but refused, and the police and mounted infantry then fixed bayonets and attempted to disperse the mob. For some minutes it appeared imminent that the troops would be compelled to fire, bat after several attempts to break through their ranks the shearers drew off. Brisbane, March 23. Unionists have declared their intention of wrecking every train carrying troops or free labourers to the disturbed district. Unionists accuse the Government of showing favouritism to the pastoralists, and state that they will do all the damage they possibly can to Government property. Brisbane, Maroh 24. A number of leading agitatorß concerned in the recent disturbances have been arrested. A man named Martin, who used disgraceful language conoerniDg the Queen and Aoting-Governor, while addressing a meeting at Barcaldine. is being proceeded against for seditious libel. Sydney, Marchl24. Mr Kingston, of South Australia, was examined by the Labour Commission to-day, and set forth the objects of his Conciliation Bill. So far as Adelaide was concerned his opinion was that the late strike was provoked, and continued by the masters. He did not think the shipowners were justified in opposing the affiliation of ships’ officers to the Labonr Unions. Both sides should have freedom of contract. Auckland, March 21. The Bootmakers’ Operatives’ Union have been moving in the direction of securing increased wages, and have submitted to the Masters’ Association a schedule of the prices paid in the South. These are higher than the rates ruling in Auckland. The Masters’ Association were to have considered the matter last night, bnt the meeting was adjourned. Auckland, March 24. In regard to the demand of the bootmakers’ operatives for increased wages, the masters have declined to sign the scale submitted to them. The Union threatened that if the scale were not signed by the 25th inst. all the Union men would be called out on stiike. The masters, however, have invited a deputation of the Union to meet them and discuss the subjeot.