THE LABOUR QUESTION

New Zealand Times, Volume LV, Issue 9969, 2 August 1893, Page 2

THE LABOUR QUESTION

By Elkctkio Tbi.kgkafh.—Copyright,

(press association.) London, Juno 31

Mr Ben Tilletfc nays that, since Us Inception, the Dockers’ Union has been the means of having the total amount paid ia wages to the men increased by £*2,000,000. Sydney, August 1. All the steam-hlp-ownera have adopted the reduced rates, and they do not fool called up m to notice the result of tbo recent ballot of seamen.

Adckland, August 1

At a recent meeting of the Council of the National Asrociatiou, Auckland section, the subjoined report, as prepared by tho Pollcb oal Committee, was submitted and adopted. Copies wero authorised to be furnished to the press, the Premier and the Hou VV. Italics* ton: ‘That the council considers the Shipping and Seamen’s Act Amendment Bill calculated to injure a!) political parties. 1. The public—Because, through exaggerated o In providing for the enforcement of its rules, it places very arbitrary powers in the hands of officials, and because its require, meats are so harassing to shipping interests as to hinder the free development of commerce end intercourse, 2, The shipping in* fcerest—Becauae unnecessary and expensive proceedings and cautions are proposed, which would restrict in man}' ways that freedom in matters of detail which is osson* tial to successful competition with foreign shipping. 3 The seamen m whoso Interests the Bill has ostensibly been drafted—by checking their liberty as regards rating and pay, and restricting employment by eooouraging competition from foreign vessels and foreign seamen. The BUI, if passed in its preterit shape, appears likely to lead to a transfer of New Zealand.owned shipping to other porta, and to greatly increase friction, on the one hand between the Mercantile Marine and Customs Department and, on the other, between tho employers and employed in colonial and intercolonial shipping/

The Employers’ Association have appointed a suh-o rnmittee to draw up certain objections to compulsory arbitration.