CO-OPERATIVE WORKMEN'S WAGES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14358, 30 October 1908, Page 5

CO-OPERATIVE WORKMEN'S WAGES.

A ROWDY DEMONSTRATION. (Feo'j Ora Owx Cobhesposdent.), OREYMOUTir, October 29. Apparently co-operative workers on railway construction recognise a splendid opportunity to agitate for increased wages. This morning tho Hon. A. R-. Uuinn.ess was waited on by a deputation from the workers on the State collieries railway extension works. Complaint was made that tho manner in which the work was being measured resulted in the men earning very poor wages, some getting only about 8s 6d a day. and unless it could be brought up to ifj s they would go out on strike. Mr Guinness introduced the deputation to the resident- engineer, and, after some discussion, the matter was held over till 3 p.m. in order that the engineer in charge of the works might be consulted. At that hour a. h r * o crowd, accompanied by Mr Guinness, saw the engineer, who promised to go out to the works to-morrow and inquire for himself into the complaints. Shortly after this the deputation asc-embkd 'in the street immediately in front of the Public ■Works Ofhee, and some of the men, who appeared to bo in an excited state, commenced to argue forcibly, and a very rowdy demonstration took place. It was nearly an hour thereafter before ihe crowd dispersed. Much excitement was occasioned by such an unusual incident.