THE LABOUR WORLD.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1266, 4 June 1896, Page 37

THE LABOUR WORLD.

THE NEWCASTLE COAL DIFFICULTY.

At a meeting of tho Minors' Delegate Board at Newcastle, it was decided to request tho Colonial Secretary to confer with tho coal-owners with the view of settling the strike. Tho Wallarah miners have decided to return to work immediately. A number of miners' lodges have on. dorsed the request to the Colonial Secretary to arrange for a conference. It is understood the minors' secretary has received a communication from tho Premier (o the effect that it is impossible to arbitrate under the present condition of affairs.

The board of delegates has cabled tho president of the English Labour Federation asking for assistance for tho strike fund.

The first strike pay, 0s per man, was distributed last Thursday.

The English Miners' Congress _ has passed a resolution that the output of Coal ought to bo restricted in accordance with tho demand of the majority, also in favour of a fixed minimum wage. Delegates at the Miners' Conference, representing three hundred thousand men, demanded the nationalisation of the mines.

'the World's Minors' Congress at Aix la Chapello has carried a resolution demanding the observance of the eight hours system above and below ground. The usual weekly mooting of the Trades Council was held last week, Mr 11. G. Jones (president) in the chair. In view of the formation of an Electoral League, it was decided to forward to tho next meeting letters received by the Council for consideration from the Workers' Political Committee of Otago and tho Liberal Progressive Association of Canterbury, dealing with their political platform.

The Christchurch Tailoresscs' Union, discussing tho sweating question, decided to ask the Government to amend the Factory Act, to provide that all work be done on the premises of the workshop or factory.

A compromise has been agreed to over tho London builders' strike on several of the points involved in the dispute. On the question of wages the masters havo conceded a half-penny per hour, with the exception of two, wdio refused to make any concession. A most successful meeting of the Tailoresscs' Union was held last Monday in the Trades Hall, Miss Christie (president) in the chair. A committeo was formed to go through the factory log and to report to the next meeting of tho Union. A social committee was also set up to consider the advisableness of holding a " social " to strengthen the financial position of the Union. It was decided that future meetings of'the Union should be held at tho Women's Club, Lambton quay. Owing to tho duties of secretary being too heavy for one member, Miss Leo was appointed assistant-secretary pro tvm. Miss Lee and Miss Scott were elected honorary members of the Union. Several new members were enrolled. The meeting adjourned for a fortnight from date.