LABOUR TROUBLES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8652, 10 February 1914, Page 5

LABOUR TROUBLES

WATERSIDERS’ DISPUTE COMPULSORY CONFERENCE. Of Telegraph—Prose Association—Copy rl£M MELBOURNE, February 9. It is anticipated that a compulsory conference to deal with the wharf men’s trouble will bo summoned today. The shipowners aro credited with a desire to fight the Labour Federation on the linos of tbe late New Zealand strike. They declare that a chock must be put to the men’s exorbitant demands, even though it may mean, a, groat loss of money. They aro determined to grant no increase excepting through the Arbitration Court.

COMPULSORY CONFERENCE ORDERED. MELBOURNE, February 9. Mr Justice Higgins has ordered a compulsory conference between 'the shipowners and tbe waterside workers on Wednesday. THE DECREE ENFORCED. NO WORK AFTER FIVE O’CLOCK. (Received February 9, 11.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 9. The wharfmen’s decision not to work after 5 o’clock at night was enforced in various ports to-day, this limiting working hour* to the serious inconvenience of traders, though it is understood the' shipowners will not allow it to interfere with the passenger traffic. As far as possible they will adhere to time-tables, which moans that all the cargo not shipped at the time of departure will he left on the wharves. . STRIKE GENERAL. (Received February 10, 1.15 a.m.) MELBOURNE, February 9. The wharfmon’a overtime strike is general, and loading is seriously delayed. All berths are already crowded, and numbers of vessels are unable to get berthing space. ,

BUTCHERS’ STRIKE.

EXPECTED IN SYDNEY. SYDNEY, February 9. No settlement has been reached with regard to the butchers’ trouble. It is expected that the shopmen will strike to-day. The city is largely meatless. [The men demand a forty-eight-hour week, and an advance of ten shillings per week in- pay.] THE BLOW FALLS. HOUSEHOLDERS GO SHORT. (Received February 9, 9.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 9. Householders in the city and suburbs had a short supply of meat to-day. The employees of most of the butchers and small goods shops failed to turn to, demanding a forty-eight-hour week and an increase of IQs weekly. In a few cases the demands were conceded, the other butchers making shift with the assistance 'of members of the family. The unusual sight of girls and women carving joints was common.

SOME SHOPS CLOSED

ALLEGED BREACH OF ACT.

(Received February 9,10.1 P p.m.) SYDNEY. February 9. Altogether 400 butchers, including, carters, are out. Some city shops are closed. The 'secretary of the Master Butchers’ Association claims that the men committed a deliberate breach of the Industrial Act and that all should bo prosecuted. ■