POSITION ON THE BAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15827, 28 July 1913, Page 5

POSITION ON THE BAND

GOVERNMENT STANDS FIRM. REFUSAL "OF DEMANDS. COMMISSIONS OFFERED. Pre«j Association—By Telegraph—Copyright JOHANNESBURG, July 25. The Government will not agree to proclaim public holidays on May 1 and July 4, which was the day of the recent bloodshed, It also refuses to repeal the lawprohibiting meetings or the employment of force to suppress disturbances, and refuses to call a Bpeoial session of Parliament to consider the Federation's claims. The Government offers to appoint a commission of two owners and two employees representing the miners and other trades, with an independent chairman selected by the Government, to deal with the majority of the men's demands, and a separate commission to deal with the railway men's claims, thongh it is probable that tho most important of their demands will be conceded Tight out. The Government reply has created an unfavourable impression among the Labour delegates, and a feeling of uneasiness prevails. CONCESSIONS BY THE O\7*S'ERS. JOHANNESBURG, July 27. (Received July 28, at 0.40 a.m.) Tho mine owners have agreed to recognise the trades unions, and to grant a vacation of 10 days and also an eighti hour day, with half an hour for winding.