WATERSIDE WORKERS' STRIKE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15938, 4 December 1913, Page 4

WATERSIDE WORKERS' STRIKE.

MEETING OF DTJKEDIN

SEAMEN

ULTIMATUM EROM UNION

COMPANY.

AEBITBATION SUGGESTED

ANOTHER MEETING TO BE

HELD

OPAWA SAILS FOR LONDON

-NEGOTIATIONS WITH

SYDNEY.

EMPLOYERS' COMMITTEE

FIRM

UNION COMPANY'S VESSELS

BOYCOTTED

: Beyond the fact that some of the wharves tra were barricaded and that one or two police- ste men sauntered or 6tood about at various ere points, there was nothing in'the appearance mil of the Dunedin wharves yesterday to indi- tat cate that a strike or anything out of the wa ordinary, existed. 3 ce \The new Arbitration Union has now attained a strength of over 160 members, and as these were split up into gangs and dis- ] tfibuted among the ships in port the of wharves bore a decidedly busy aspect. _ eei •About 50 men were set to work loading m< the Waitomo, lying at the Birch street Ui wharf, with 1000 tons of general cargo, Tt chiefly, transhipments, which sho lias to take we from this port. of ■At the cross wharf a gang of about the faj same size was engaged in loading the Vic- th toria, and by noon it had placed aboard c v her the 150 tons of cargo which she took w< from this port. Tho Victoria sailed later in wi the day. fig When thfe work was completed tho men wl aboard the Victoria were- broken into two on gangs, one going on to reinforce the men ge on the Waitomo and the other commencing pa operations on the Mimiro, which arrived se from Lyttelton during the morning with 600 tons of general cargo for this port. The in feature of tho work here was that the Rat- bj tray street wharf, where the Mimiro lay, &. was not barricaded, and the few police- wi men who kept an eye on the arbitrationists si; found their position a sinecure. _ be At the Victoria wharf tho discharging of I the Turakina and Dorset was pursued steadily, and without interruption of any kind. By 5 p.m., when the men ceased work, about 200 tons of motor spirits and general cargo had been removed from the Mimiro's three hatches. Most of this cargo was at once taken delivery of by the carters. On tho Turakina 300 tons had been discharged and 2CO tons from the Dorset. On ceasing work some of the arbitrationists elected to walk round to the Moeraki, where they aro being lodged. They excited neither comment nor curiosity as a< they made their way round. " A GLOOMY OUTLOOK. IE POSITION AT PORT CHALMERS. {J 'It is quite' evident that Port Chalmers ** has been hard hit by the present strike. So ° far as the wharves and docks are concerned, 6t the strikers have not done a 6troke of work for fully a month. Only two steamers have « been docked during that time, and the work had to be done in the case o£ the Mokoia by a few permanent employees, ' ■ while the other vessel (the Northern) was '' cleaned and painted by her own crew. D Thousands o£ pounds that should now be a circulating in Port Chalmers and Dunedin q have been diverted to Timaru and Bluff. £ Messrs Stevenson and Cook's works have *• been kept going with a reduced staff, but " with that exception the only source of in- . eomo has been tho local fish trade. It is rumoured that there is every probability of £ a large share of employment being, perman- "- ently removed from Port Chalmers. At the pres'ent timo there is absolutely no work in l sight for-the local waterside workers, and the impression 's steadily • gaining ground that, even if they desire it, the men will not ba afforded an opportunity of resuming work on the wharves for at least another month. ALLEGED THREATENING BEHAVIOUR PROSECUTIONS PENDING. Summonses on a charge of using threaten- 1 ing language to an arbitration worker wero i served yesterday afternoon upon two mem- < bers of the old Waterside Workers' Union. ; SEAMEN'S UNION. i SECRET BALLOT DEFEATED. 1 ULTIMATUM FROM THE UNION COMPANY. I SAILORS PRACTICALLY ON STRIKE. > A meeting of the Dunedin Seamen's < Union was held yesterday afternoon in the ! Trades Hall to consider the position of tho branch in regard to the present trouble. There were about 170 members present, and" the president of the cxecutivo (Mr Murdoch M'Kenzie) presided. Messrs Mackie and Jack, the Auckland Branch of the Seamen's Union, and Messrs J. Baker and J .Shepherd, the Wellington delegates, addressed the meeting, giving a detailed account of operations in their centre. This met with the general approval of the meeting. A proposal to tako a secret ballot on tho question' ot whether they should resume work was overwhelmingly defeated by themeeting, only 17 voting in favour of the proposal on a show of hands. A discussion ensued on the methods of the .Federation of Labour, which were generally condemned. Tho action of tho Auckland Branch, whoso members still adhere to their telegram to tho Dunedin Branch advising it to ignore Mr Belcher, was also condemned. Mr Belcher addressed tho meeting, and in ths course of his remarks traced the genesis of the Seamen's Union, which, ho said, had nursed tho Auckland and Wellington seamen to their present condition. His reward for that had been abuse. An ultimatum was received from tho Union Steam Ship Company stating that if work was not resumed _by Saturday it . would take steps to have its vessels manned by freo labour. In this connection, Mr Belcher stated that he now intended to tako ii further hand in the fight. He had used all possible means at the conference in Wellington to effect a settlement, but the majority against him had been too strong. It was finally decided that members signing on during tho present crisis would be deali with by the union after the striko was over. The meeting, which lasted ' about two hours and agnail, oloeed with a vote of thank 3 to the visiting delegates and a unanimous vote of confidenco in Mr Belcher. ANOTHER MEETING. PROPOSAL TO ASK JUDGE WILLIAMS TO ARBITRATE. To-day another meeting will bo held by the local executive and the four visiting delegates. It is stated on good authority that tho meeting will decido to approach the Union Company with a view to securing the services of his Honor Mr Justice Williams as arbitrator on the position which " has arisen between the seamen and tho company. MASS MEETING. -At a mass meeting hold at Dr Stuart's TrJonument last evening Mr W. E. J. Maguiro moved, and Mr M. M'Hutcheon seconded-" That this meeting of Dunedin citizens, representative of all classes, is in no sense surprised, or wonders ot, impatient and earnest labour agitators groaning under the impedimenta at all times opposed to the most salutary improvements of the working conditions, standard of life, and general morale of the masses, by the perverse, innate obstinacy of powerful combinations of private interests, armed with unfair weapons such ae have been supplied to. them by tho present Government during this strike. Such intemperate displays of force are an evil, sure to bo met by tho evil of intcmperato language, and under such circumstances wo claim that often theso speeches when taken jltoijether do not »aaonably bear the

wicked interpretation put upon them, Therefore, we oannot set aside the fact that Messrs Semplo, Young, and Holland aro entitled to release on bail. Wo sincerely trust that tho Government will give serious attention to this matter, for it would be a meet regrettable thing if in democratic New Zealand it could ever be inferred that the elements which contribute to the sacred administration of justioo would ever bear the slightest taint of ferocity, vindictiveness, or partiality." A further resolution was moved by Mr Maguire, and seconded by Mr Boreham— "That we view with alarm the formation of a farmers' constabulary corps as a military body, which cannot be classed other than a political soldiery, calculated to imperil and undermine our national system of defence—namely, a citizen army, comprising every section of tho community, irrespective of class Such portentous auxiliaries to our established authorities are unnecessary, ai;d tho Government which encourages them in a democratic country is living in a fool's paradise, and its fate can be as clearly traoed at the next election with' as much significance as tho fatal writing on the wall, 'Thy kingdom shall be taken from thee.'" Both resolutions were carried by acclamation. ANOTHER PROTEST. At a largely-attended meeting of the Printers' Machinists, Bookbinders, and Lithographers' Union the following motion was curried-" This union, realising that freedom for each body of workers to form and control its particular organisation constitutes a vital principlo of unionism, emphatically protests against tho action of tho employers in menacing that freedom by endeavouring to force tho waterside workers to register under tho Arbitration Act." SAILING OF THE VICTORIA. Shortly after 4 o'olook the Victoria, whioh has been kid up here since November 2, got away from the Cross wharf, and after manoeuvring a little headed down the harbour on her way to Lyttelton and Wellington. As she moved out of the basin somo 30 or 40 of the old waterside workers congregated at the' wharf at the bottom of Rattray street gave the crew of the departing steamer several hearty cheers. Why the crew were thus honoured can only be surmised. Probably it was because they had taken every opportunity which came their way while their 6tearner had been here to jeer at tho arbitrationists. HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF. Mr G. Stove, a member of the executive of tho Federation of Labour, who is at present in Dunedin, addressed a meeting of members of tho old Waterside Workers' Union at their rooms on Tuesday afternoon. The meeting was not open to tho press, but we are informed that Mr Stovo made use of tho platitudes which have now become familiar to the public. "The position of the strikers was better to-day than it had ever been previously," " Only 60 men wero working at the Wellington wharves," "The watersido workors must win," "Keep on fighting "—such was tho encouragement with which Mr Stove regaled his hearers. As one burst of applause rent tho air, an elderly gentleman wending his way along the wharf past the rooms was heard to mutter to himself, "Fiddling while Rome's burning." .. A seaman who had been through tho strike in 1890 had heard of the statements made by Mr Stove. "Just what they told us during our strike," he ejaculated. "The wires kept on coming through ' Victory in sight,' 'Keep on fighting.' It was ten week before I could got back. to work, and glad I was to get a start again."

POSITION IN WELLINGTON,

OPAWA SAILS FOR LONDON.

THE NEW UNION.

NEARLY 18C0 MEMBERS.

(Ptn United Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, December 3.

With fine weather to-day good work was accomplished on tho wharves. The new Watersiders' Union is now nearly 1800 strong. The Tyser Lino Muritai arrived this morning, but has not started unloading yet, as the sheds on the Jervois quay, where she is berthed, are full. As soon as her 500 tons of cargo for this port are landed she will 6tart Homeward loading at Wanganui. During the day a new stokehold crew for the Opawa signed on, and tho vessel loft for London this afternoon. The Union Company is advised that tho Waipori left Newcastle yesterday with a full cargo of coal, which will be. used for bunkering the boats maintaining tho coastal and ferry services. It is expected that a direct vessel from Sydnev will arrive here next week—either the Maunganui or Mamika-gctting away from Svdney on Saturday. Owin" to her late arrival from Sydney, the departure of the Aorangi for San Francisco has been postponed until noon on Saturday. , , Tho Tahiti, which will take her departure as tho regular Sydney steamer from Wellington, will not sail till Saturday, .

CASES OF INTIMIDATION.

PROTECTION OF HOMES.

SPECIAL PATROLS ENGAGED.

(PKR UnITID PtIEBB Absocutios.)

WELLINGTON, December 3.

Statements are current that cases are known in which old watersido workers who aro anxious to return to work arc intimidated and prevented from doinfc so by the attentions of strike pickets. Already special patrols have been detailed to protect the homes of men who have gone back to work, and who arc afraid of molestation. The matter is likely to be ventilated in court. . ~ ~ , , "I am quite certain, said, one wharf foreman, in summing up the situation today " that it is the men who have no chance of ever getting hack on the wharves who are influencing many good men who would like to come back."

DESIRE 'FOR SETTLEMENT.

MESSAGE FROM MR HUGHES.

ARBITRATION URGED. (Per United far.ss Asr jcution.) WELLINGTON, December 3. The chairman (Mr W. G. 'Foster) of the Employers', Farmers', and Citizens Defence Committee last night received he following cablegram from Mr W M. Hughes (president of the Australian Labour Conference), which is now m session in byd"o"Your cablegram setting forth tho case for the Wellington Employers, Farmers, and Citizens' Defence Committee was received and brought before a conference representing the industrial organisations affected and likely to bo affected by tho , New Zealand Labour troubles. So lar as tho cablegram deals with the history and development of the dispute it is not piecessary to comment thereon beyond tne remark that your statement is in conflict with that furnished to the conference by tho Labour Federation. No useful purpose would be served by attempting to deal with the matter from this standpoint Without, therefore, calling in question any of your statements, or those of the Labour Federation as to tho origin and history of the dispute, ..the conference, representing over 200,000 unionist- called together for the express purpose of dealing with the unfortunate industrial traible, faced the situation as it exists to-dav. It is not to be denied that the situation is most serious. Tho original causes of tho dispute are not material. The fact that a dispute, already sufficiently disastrous and threatening to become much, more so, exists is beyond question. It has affected Now Zealand for some weeks, and still affects it. Its influence has extended to tho Commonwalth of Australia and is threatening to assume alarming dimensions. Wc can hardly believe that any considerable section desires a continuance of the present conditions. We are quite, sure that the overwhelming hulk of the community considers it is high time that industrial peace was restored. With those, if any there he, who desire a continuance of industrial turmoil, on whichever side they be, we have absolutely no sympathy. Wc believe in unionism and all that unionism stands for. We desire industrial peace. We believe in the settlement of industrial disputes bv arbitration. If thero is id* pute it ought to be at once peacefully settled. To your contention that there is no dispute, that there is nothing left to submit to Sir Joshua Williams, or any other arbitrator, that the Federation ot Labour cannot be recognised and is to be destroved wecannot for one moment assent. That "there is an industrial dispute, that it affects a still larger number of workers in New Zealand, and will shortly affect a still larger number in the Commonwealth unless it is at once settled is obvious to anv unprejudiced person. As for the Federation of Labour, it contains thousands of the best workmen in Now Zealand, and wo cannot consent to their destruction. Upon whose shoulders the blame for the present unfortunate condition, of this trouble is to be placed—whether it is unwiso and rash counsel on ono side or too high-handed action and provocation on tho other—we do not presume to say. We are

faced with the situation—it i 6 one of our own creating-, whoever is responsible clearly wo are not. Wo desire to end tho present trouble with the least' possible delay, but to ignore it is not to end it. Peace is not to be obtained by saying that there is nothing to arbitrate about or fulminations against the Federation of Labour. There is a dispute, and there is something to arbitrate about, and until this point is settled to talk of industrial peace is to live in a fool's paradsc. In the best interests of all parties wo consider that the present stato of affairs in New Zealand cannot and ought not to be allowed to continue. We therefore recommend that tho whole matter be referred to Sir Joshua Williams or any other arbitrator acceptable to both parties, his decision to be final on all points, including the employment of labour, and the conference, on behalf ot the unionists of Australia, pledges itself to loyally abide by the results of 6iich arbitration, and as from the date of the appointment of the arbitrator to resume normal working conditions in tho. New Zealand transport trade, and it recommends and expects the New Zealand Federation of Labour, to whom this proposal is communicated, will similarly pledge itself. In any case we do so. This, then, is the proposition which we venture to suggest to both parties to this dispute. Wo hope it will commend itself to them and to the people of New Zealand. We do riot in any way comment on the events that have led up to the present position or attemrit to decide who is to blame. We fully recognise that very strong feeling exists, but we make an appeal to reason. However the dispute arose, and whoever is to blame for it, it is here. Its effects are disastrous, and not a day ought to be lost in settling it. Our proposal is reasonable and practicable, and covers every phase of the matter, and takes effect immediately. We anneal to both sides to accept it without delay. The conference requests that you should havo this communication published in the_New Zealand papers for general information.— W. H. Hughes."

ANOTHER STATEMENT BY THE

EMPLOYERS.

THE FEDERATION'S METHODS.

NEGOTIATIONS IMPOSSIBLE.

(Peb United Press Association.) ■WELLINGTON, December 3. A further statement issued by the Employers, Farmers, and Citizens' Defence Committee relating to the present industrial troublo says in part: — "Tho committee ha 6 collectively and individually pledged itself to the elimination of the 'Red' Federation of Labour, its officers, and representatives from anyiuturo negotiations with unions of workers, and has doiio 60 for the following among other reasons: The committee emphatically states that there is now no point which led up to the existing, strike upon which to treat. Further means have been provided by law for the formation of unions under the Industrial, Conciliation, and Arbitration Act. Such unions have been duly formed and registered, and members of the same are now employed, effectively doing the work of the ports in which watersido workers, drivers, and other workers wero engaged beforo the strike on the same terms as regards' rates of pay and the hours oi labour. The said unions are open to the men who had struck to join, and they can obtain employment through them. The Defence Committee, being legally and morally nledged to such unions, can onlj meet the workers through them. In these circumstances the committee cannot recognise the federation as hiving any right of intervention. The experience of the cm plovers of the actions of unions that 'km cancelled registration, and that have beer allied with and dominated by the federation has been more than sufficient to justih them ill eliminating that body from unj negotiations in future between them anc tho workers. The employers' relations wit! unregistered unions, and especially witj such unions as havo been affiliated witi tho federation, have been conspicuous fo; the frequency with which the workers hayi broken their agreements and also for fric tion arising out of the interpretatioi by the workers' representatives of agree mente when such have been nominal!; observed. In the case of the WMlincrloi Waterside Workers' Union, tho employer did not insist on registration under thi Arbitration Act until every proposal mad by tliom was rejected by the union, througl tho federation's representatives. These pro posals included the furnishing of a guaran tee against strikes, with reefrence first t> a committee of representatives of employer and employees, and the taking of a score ballot under the supervision of a Govern ment official. The proposal of the Prim Minister to refer the dispute to the arbitrc ment of Sir Joshua Williams was also d< finitely rejected by the Waterside Worker; Union, through the federation, although has now changed its mind and wishes fc such arbitrament. Even while negotiation for a settlement of the strike were in pre gross- and the representatives of the en ployers and the federation were conferring tho federation would not give an assurahc that an agreement would be kept: and made no sign of discouragement to the pul lie speeches of its members urging disorde sabotage, and violence, and the complet paralysis' of the industrial life of the d< minion. The preambles of the constitute of tho I.W.W. and-tho federation are a most the same. Both open with tho posti late: ' The working class and' the emplo; ing class have nothing in common.' Tr I.W.W. insists .that 'Ivo terms made wil an employer are final.' The Wellingtc Waterside Workers Union, on the ehowii: of their president (Mr F. Curtis), brol their agreement from A to Z, and it wi in consequence of the frequent and flagrai breaking of their agreement that tho er ploveis resolved that they were no long' parties to it. Furthor, a few days after i signature—on January 17, 1912,—Mr Hickt (secretary of tho federation) publicly gaj , expression to the following views on tl ' observance of agreements:—' Every agre [ ment entered into is not binding upon y< for a single instant. No, not if it w signed by a thousand officials and ratify by .i dozen courts. The agreement is n sacred, and only a fool would regard it such. The moment an opportunity oceu to better your condition broak your agre ment; break it wherever it will pay you lo so. If.necessary, let us toss every agre ment to hell.' 'The actions of the u Waterside Workers' Union in the pa6t ha been in keeping with Mr Hickey's couik and in conformity with the tenets of the 1.W.W.. The I.W.W. teaches its followers to look forward to the day when they will seize, by force if necessary, ships, railways, tramways, factories, workshops, stores, farms, and other property of the employers as such, and confiscate all private property. It is less of an industrial than a revolutionary organisation. In tho United States it has proved itself to bo a wilfully dangerous organisation and a menaco to society at large, and as such it is regarded by both the Federal and State Governments. Of the I.W.W. operations in tho Pacific Colonel Weinstock, acting under instructions of the Government of California, recently'.made a thorough investigation, and reported:—'The evidence forces me to the conclusion that it is tho organised and deliberate purpose of the I.W.W. to teach and preach and force into tho hearts and minds of its followers that they are justified in trampling underfoot their own agreements, in confiscating the property of others, in disobeying the mandates of the courts, and in paralysing the industries of the nation. If the men and women of tho nation accept and follow these teachings it would make society impossible, and would simply mean a nation of thieves, liars, and scoundrels.' The experience of the employers during tho past 10 years with unions affiliated with the United Federation of Labour has fully justified them in regarding that body as identical with the 1.W.W., with whioli it has professedly so much in common. With an organisation of a frankly hostile character the employers cannot treat, even if there wero now any dispute or disputes to discuss, for the reasons above and for other and equally sufficient reasons." :

FARMERS' CONSTABULARY CORPS.

ANOTHER QUESTION IN THE

HOUSE,

(Fhou Our Own Comiespondent.)

WELLINGTON, December 3.

A further reference to tho Auckland movement for the formation of a Farmcm' Union Constabulary Coirs was made in the House this afternoon by Mr Russell. He read the statement of the objects of tlio organisation and the form of declaration of allegiance, as published in tho Auckland 'papers, and ieked the Prime Minister whether ho would make inquiries as to tho truth or otherwise of the statements made and whether, if they were true, ho would tako steps to prevent the establishment of a corps of this class, which would probably bo followed by the establishment of similar corps Ln oilier centres, thus leaving the country in an almost incessant stato of internecino warfare. Mr Masscy said tho Government knew no more about this matter than it had seen in tlio newspapers. No information of an official nature had reached the Government. Ho would inquire into tlio matter, and would later on let tho House know what was being done. Ho could state, however, that he know every member of the committco whose names hid beeu mentioned by

Mr Russell, and he was quite certain that these gentlemen would do nothing that was inconsistent with law and order and loyalty to tho Crown,

Mr Russell: The existing laws of tho country prohibit this kind of thing—the drilling of armed men.

Mr Massey: I am quite Certain that nothing will bo done by these peoplo that is not consistent with tho laws of the country,

MANNING OF VESSELS.

PRESENT EXEMPTIONS.

(Fhqm Oub Own Correspondent.)

"WELLINGTON, December 3. Mr Payne asked the Minister of Marino to-day whether it was true that tho provisions of the Shipping and Seamen Act were being virtually suspended by unquali-

fied persons being allowed to serve on vessels during tho present industrial crisis. al The Hon. Mr Fisher replied: " Section 57 ~ of 'Tho Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1909,' empowers the Minister to f° exempt any ship upon such conditions, if P any, as ho thinks fit to impose from any ™ specific requirement of the principal Act J° or of the-1909 Act, or to dispense with tho °J observance of any such requirement in the case of any ship if he is satisfied that the requirement has been substantially complied with, or that tho provision made is as effective as actual compliance with the require- j* rnent. In caae6 where the Minister has f' been satisfied that tho manning of certain JJ ships is as effective <,s compliance with tho *' manning requirements of the principal Act, '< lie has exempted them from suoh require- * ments." • NO ROYAL COMMISSION. ■ § Mr Anderson asked the Government to- g day whether it would during the recces set tl up a. commission thoroughly to investigate f; tho industrial problem and tho causes of n the failure of our present industrial lcgisla- j f tion, and, if possiblo, devise means for pre- D venting future upheavals such as iha.t from u which tho dominion was bow suffering, such fl commission to consider the practicability of p a minimum wage for men and women. cl The Prime Min ; ster, in reply, referred to h the legislation that was being submitted to y Parliament, and added that under the cir- r cumstances it was not proposed afpresent a to set up a commission as suggested. a THREATENING BEHAVIOUR. c MAN FINED IN WELLINGTON. c (Pes United Press Association.) * WELLINGTON, December 3. • Thomas Acknd, an ex-army man. was fined £3, or two months' imprisonment, for i threatening behaviour during the riot in , Post Office square He was also ordered to find sureties—a personal bond of £50 and another of £10—to keep the peace for six , months. j MEETING OF WELLINGTON TRADES ! council. ; PROPOSALS FOR SETTLEMENT. ! (Pkb United Press Association,) WELLINGTON, December 3. At a meeting of tho Trades Council to- ' night, the industrial position was discussed, and a committee was appointed to draw up recommendations for a settlement of tho strike, i These proposals will be submitted to a mass meeting of all unionists next Sunday. THE STRIKE LEADERS. TWO MEN SECURE BAIL (Per United Press Association.) 1 WELLINGTON, December 3, 1 Peter Fraser, secretary of the Social 1 Democratic Party, who was ordered to find sureties to keep tho peaco for 12 months, was ' released to-day, tho necessary bonds being ' apprdved. 1 George Bailey, who had to find similar 1 sureties (totalling £600), was released yes- ' terday. » THE SHEARERS. 1 NO LIKELIHOOD OF. A STRIKE, (Pkb United Puhs Association.) \ WELLINGTON, December 3. 3 Mr Laracy, secretary of the New Zealand : Shearers' Association, states that there is no i likelihood of the shearers coming out. The - members of the union had responded well . to tho levy in support of tho strikers. 5 s POSITION AT AUCKLAND. • BRISK WORK ON THE WHARVES. (Feb United Press Association.) } AUCKLAND, December 3. j In fine weather to-day work on tho r wharves.was pushed forward rapidly. 3 ' The most important movement was the ~ arrival of tho Maheno, which was berthed [! at the Queen's wharf to land 400 pa6sengors , and a large Australian mail. Tho departure e of the vessel on her return passage has been .(■ postponed till 5 p.m. to-morrow. Sho will . bo followed at tho wharf by tho Shaw, , Savill, and Albion Company's steamer o Waiwera from London. n NEW WATERSIDE WORKERS' UNION. i- APPLICANTS REJECTED. >e STRIKERS SEEKING WORK. u (Pib United Pbess Association.) | AUCKLAND, December 3. j 5 An interesting position has arisen regard,t ing the admission of members to the new „ union. Last night a meeting of the union , r WB6 held, Five men, from Tauto ranga, with high recommendations from a , v prominent citizen, applied for admission, but '•o the voting was against admitting them. Two 1p of the men had been waiting on the Mono- ' wai expected to bo admitted without any m trouble, and they were very much disapfj " Seeling that tho farmers have been ot thrown out," remarked one of tho members of the new union who does not approve of ~ rs the attitude taken up b v the majority, I c am afraid that there is no chance at all for to the 200 old watersiders who have applied for Id litis morning more strikers applied at the „ wharf for work, Their names were taken, ■cl and they will be balloted for in due course..

HOW WE GOT AWAY.

RUNNING THE BLOCKADE FROM SYDNEY.

THE MAHENO BEACHES AUCKLAND.

AMATEUR STOKERS WHO MADE GOOD.

STORY OF THE VOYAGE.

(By Tom. L Mills.)

AUCKLAND, December 3. "Were you anxious?' 1 "Did you think we were lost?" Even in these days of wireless? Oh, but we've had a great time, and we feel'lucky in getting out of Sydney!" These and many other questions and exclamations of a similar nature were exchanged by passengers on the Maheno with friends, and relatives when the big boat arrived at Auckland to-day. Things looked pretty black for tho growing crowd of New Zealanders who were anxious to move on from Sydney over a fortnight ago when the whisper went, round that the Manuka was to be held up by the seamen and firemen. A .large crowd of immigrants and tourists had just landed from England from the liner Orama, and had transhipped to the Manuka, which was a full ship, her passengers also including some bin business folk who were directly interested in the Auckland Exhibition. We all went aboard full of hope, especially as wo saw the mails being shipped, but not cvon nnto this day has the Manuka left Sydney. On that Saturday night all tho passengers were ordered ashore, but they were told that they could leave their luggage. . On Monday the mails went ofl again, and on Tuesday tho passengers were advised to take uway their baggage as there was no hope of the Manuka, doing anything else but laying up in tho stream, Day after day the anxioue crowd that called at the Union Company's office grow ■in numbers, as more people for the other side of the Tasman Sea arrived in Sydney. Particularly anxious were those who intended goinu to business as stallholders at the Auckland Exhibition. Some of these said they were losing very heavily by ihe hold up. The case of some of the immigrants, too, was hard. They were offered work immediately on the wharves and on the ship by tlic Union Company, but this was refused. They said they did not want to be against'the Seamen's Union, and yet they were hard up. Even some returning tou'rist6 had sailed too close to tho wind financially, becoming hard up at the last stage of their journey. Indeed, so much did some of the delayed one 6 feel the strain of their enforced stay in expensive Sydney that deputations went to tho papers looking for help and to air their grievances again. Several business and professional gentlemen, seeking the quickest way out of Australia, sought to connect with passing steamers not involved in tho trouble,

such as the New Zealand Shipping Company's liner calling at Hobart, as by this time word had gone forth that the Seamen's Union was making a dead set at tho Union Company's boats, all of which ■were to be held up in Sydney until the strikers had declared tho strike off at the New Zealand end.. But tho searchers referred to found all the ways out blocked and barred, Then ,it was 6uggC6ted to them that the Shipping- Federation was the causo of their not getting such passages. A deputation representing these most anxious ones therefore waited on Mr David Mills, the most worried man in tho city, who, besides being Sydney manager of the Union Company, is chairman of tho federation. Mr Mills assured them that the federation would . not stop any man from getting to New Zealand on any boat, and added that lie was using every endeavour to get all the New Zealanders away.

Tho next stage in a worrying time was the intimation that the Maheno would really leave for New Zealand—Wellington, perhaps, Auckland for sure. Sho had been to Newcastle, and got aboard enough coal to make the voyage to New Zealand and back. At tho time it was thought remarkable that tho Newcastle unionists should supply her with coal. On her return from Newcastle the Mahono' was anchored in Neutral Bay, just opposite the city, and did not go to the wharf. The next event was that her seamen and firemen went ashore to stay. Later, aDd quite unexpectedly,, the worst blow of all to the hopeful ones fell. Her stewards followed the example. An appeal -was now made to tho New South Wales Government to step in and induce tho men to go back and work tho ship, so as to relievo the stress of tho evergrowing crowd of would-be passengers and tho distress of the immigrants. No satisfactory response came from either tho firemen or the Government. Probably the latter was too busy electioneering. It may be, however, that this failure to raise tho blockade will cost tho Holman Government the' election, for the New South Wales people have'become aggravated by what is called tho foolish carrying of New Zealand's labour t-oubles to the Sydney waterside. When the Seamen's Union and the Government failed in the effort to keep the peace and the way open, the Union Company felt apparently that it had exhausted all tho noans available, and that it must now fall Dack on other resources. Therefore, when the immigrants and other passengers next called at tho office to urge some action, they wore asked, if they would help to work the ship if it became necessary. Tho call was for volunteers for every department,

in working the ship except officers and engineers, who were available in plenty owing to the laying up of units of the red funnel fleet as they camo into Sydney. ! The response to this special call was so readily and heartily answered that wo were all told to get aboard the ilaheno out in the stream at 2 p.m. on Thursday. What a scene was there in Neutral Bay, and what an anxious time of waiting! Our luggage and provisions were carried out in a groat open'barge, and the women and children— I nevor saw 60 many children on a voyage before—.went out in launches. Somo of us wont out on tho barge from Margaret street to look after tho baggage, and, dospito the mixed up state of tho latter, it was all eventually correotly sorted out and delivered on board, many willing, hands making light work of it. The passengers and a staff of clerks from the company's office lent a large hand in this task, as well as '.n getting the mails aboard. Tho night came on, and tho lights of Sydney camo out, and yet the ship did not move. The Board of Trade officials camo aboard, and carefully examined the ship's quarters and gear, especially testing tho lifeboats, for we were to take an extra largo crowcMho passengers of tho Manuka, Mahono, and Orama combined. In tho first class thero were 254, '.n tho second class 178, and the officers, crew, etc., made 114. As the vessel was prevented by the strikers from carrying cargo, her holds had to bo converted into comfortable tccond class quarters. Still the night wore on undisturbed. Why the May?

Presently it was joyfully proclaimed that d full crow and complement for stoking, trimming, and stewards had signed on. How that complement was made up is part of the story of how we got l away at midnight. Two retired sea captains, yho had traded in New Zealand waters for many years, and were now returning from tours abroad, signed on as able eeamen. and did valuublo service too. Professional and business men young and old, signed on firemen, 13 officers from other steamers signed on (is able seamen, immigrants went stoking and as stewards, and many others volunteered to do any work required'of them. Two of New Zealand's leading farmcre joined the commissariat staff, and thenceforward carried coffee to the workers in the stokehold at meal times night aJid day.

At a mass meeting of passengers it was unanimously decided that all able bodied men should pledge themselves, to stand by Captain M'Lean and his officers and render help in any capacity required, and a fundi was immediately subscribed to provide, refreslinients for all the men in tho stokehold aa they oame off duty after each watch of four hours. Who can adequately write of tho men who served so well and faithfully and painfully under difficult conditions at the fires below? There was onlyone skilled fireman in the crowd, but under

tho enthusiasm of tho officers the raw recruits did the work satisfactorily. Tho creeping way steadily improved until a full hiwd of steam was not only got up, but maintained, and! towards tho end of tho voyage tho speed became normal, as when the Maheno was doing her trading unhindered by a hold-up. This experience of

the coming home of the Maheno is a further demonstration that the pcoplo can take charge of a ship when the seamen and firemen leave her and the travelling public

:o their fate.

All oredit is not only due to tho men on the Maheno who successfully worked her over the Tasnian sea, but- to Captain Jl'Lcan and his officers for making tho demonstration, and to the chef and baker, the stewards and stewardesses,-who sacrificed themselves unsparingly to the needs of tho people under their care in this recordmaking achievement, v

OPERATIONS AT LYTTELTON.

A GOOD DAY'S WORK.

MORE LABOUR REQUIRED.

(Pee Unitep Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, December 3.

The weather was wintry at Lyttelton today', with heavy showers of driving rain. Most of the steamers were working, however. The Marere started work at 8 a.m., and finished discharging her Lyttelton cargo about 4 o'clock, when she sailed for DunThe Himitangi discharged wool from the Chatham Islands, and filled up with broduce for Wellington. After coaling die will sail this evening. The Himitangi will load general cargo at Wellington for Lyttelton, and will subsequently ship a full cargo of produce here for northern ports. The Cygnet loaded a cargo of stores for Akaroa, and sailed during the afternoon.' Tho first of the schooner fleet, the Morning Light, got away, this morning loaded with stores and produce. She sailed with a strong fair wind for Nelson and Waitapu. Verv little difficulty was experienced in obtaining a crew for tho vessel. The brignutino Aratapu is loading produce for Kaipara, and the scow Eunice, which finished discharging to-day, will load for Auckland. . The Jsliza Firth is still discharging, and the Annio Hill and Lily will start unloading to-morrow. . , , , The fleet of chips in the harbour to-day was as follows:—Patcena, Cygnet, Kowhai, Himitangi, Rimutaka, Kini, Canopus, liemuera, Karainu, Titania, Marere, Corintkic H M.S. Pyramus, Storm, Eliza Firth, Aratapu, Eunice", Lily, Annie Hill, To Anau. The following vessels were in the stream: — Kaitangata and Flora. In order to make more room available at tho main wharves H.M.S. Pyramus wa6 shifted this morning from No. 3 jetty to a berth at the Gladstone pier. Heavy rain in Wellington has dolaved the discharging of several Lyttclton-bound 6tcamers. The Sturmfols, from New York, will leave Wellington to-morrow, and will arrive at Lyttelton on Friday morning. She has 700 tons of cargo to land here. The Norwegian steamer, Hercules, with £00 000 ft of jurrah from Bunbury, is duo from Wellington to-morrow or Friday. The Union Company's steamer Wanaka, from Auckland, via Wellington, is duo nerc in the morning to land sugar and general The l'atecna arrived from Wellington at 11.45 a.m., after a paesage of 15hr3 40min. Sh'o was delayed on the run down to Lyttelton by a southerly galo and head seas. She landed cargo during the afternoon, and also loaded a fairly largo quantity for Wellington. ' , Away from tho waterfront tho only event of importance in Lyttelton to-day was the opening of tho hotels at 8 o'clock for the first time 6inoe Monday, 24: They will close at 6 p.m. daily. A few more workers havo gono to Lyttelton to-day, but the employers are still calling for additional members of the new union

Keep it on hand - WOLFE'S SCHNAPPS i« at all timta a serviceable medicine,

THE SPECIAL POLICE, (Pes United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, December 3. Some foot specials, in addition to mounted men, are retained at Lyttolton. All tho foot specials have now been discharged in Chrifltehurch, whero patrols of mounted men arc still parading in search of disorder.

THE DRIVERS' STRIKE.

NO SERIOUS INCONVENIENCE.

(Pib United Pbess Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, December 3. Some drivers are 6till out. but enough men are working to prevent 6erious inconvenience. The union officera decline to make a. statement, but apparently recognise that to drivers' strike has failed.

GOOD WORK APPRECIATED,

EXPRESSIONS OF THANKS.

(Peb United Pbess Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, December 3. Tho Lyttolton Harbour Board carried a motion, expressing appreciation of tho public-spirited men who opened the port to trade and commerce, and thanked the men who are working the vessels. It was decided toconveya resolution to Colonel Chatfcy. Tho ohair'man of the board said a force of special constables was necessary, as no work at Lyttelton could have been dono without

them. i At the quarterly moeting of tho Canterbury Chamber of Commerce to-day the President (Mr E.. G. Staveley) referred to strike matters in his address.

Mr Fisher moved, and Mr A. H. Turabull seconded—" That this meeting of members of the Canterbury Chamber of CommeTCH expresses its appreciation of the conduct of these who came readily forward to aessist tho community generally m keeping open the port of Lyttelton at a time of industrial and commercial unrest, -and tenders its thanks to the Government for the prompt measures taken -by it for the maintenance of law and order." The motion was carried.

BUSINESS MEN HOPEFUL,

DIFFICULTIES CAN BE OVERCOME

(From Our Own Corbespondent.)

CHRISTCHURCH, December 3.

The general opinion o{ business men gathered by a reporter of the News regarding the decision of the Sydney waterside, workers not to handle inward or outward New Zealand cargo, is that it really does not matter very much.

" Let them do their damdest," ono man phrased it. " They cannot affect New Zealand very much so lonji ns communication between one part of the dominion and the others and between tho dominion and Europe and America is possible," said another citizen. "Just imagine that Australia was sumbcrged by an earthquake. No one in New Zealand would know tho difference."

Generally the action of the Sydney waterside workers is being taken very philosophically. A prominent merchant_ interested in snipping was asked for his opinion. "It is one of those difficulties that one can overcome," ho remarked. "Tho stronger wo get in New Zoaland in tho direction of getting matters back to a state of law and order, and tho better tho position in New Zealand is understood by tho workers in Australia, the quicker will be tho termination of all the obstruction that is going on at present. They have just had two members of tho United Federation of Labour in Sydney, giving their own version of the position, and naturally the Sydney workers have given a groat deal of credence to their statements, and less consideration to the statements from the other side, which have been cabled. I think that when the Australian workers fully realise and understand the position in New Zealand, the decision of the Sydney waterside workers and those connected with them will be reversed, and work on the Sydney wharves will be resumed. Tho only direction that tho Sydney waterside workers' decision is likely to affect New Zealand seriously is in the matter of coal supplies. Very little produce is being shipped from New Zealand to Australia, and that i« not a serious part of the problem. Transhipments from America and Europe a re now very few, because the bulk of the imports from America and Euroce is broueht in steamers trading to New Zealand. Tho same applies to India. A Union Company's boat has just left Calcutta with a full cargo of woolsacks and sundries, so the farmers will not bo stopped for want of supplies in connection with the harvest. The question of coal supplies is being overcome by going further afield than Australia, and I think that when the miners eeo that tho work in the dominion is being done bv arbitration labour', and realise that coal is being got from outside they will follow the example of the Sydney waterside workers and get back to work as soon as possible."

SUPPLIES OF COAL.

HIGHER PRICES PROBABLE.

(Thou Oor Own Correspondent.)

CHRISTCHURCH, December 3. Local conl merchants state that ample supplies of coal can bo obtained from other countries than Australia, and the only persons who will lose over it will be the miners and the working classes. The action of the New Zealand miners in going on strike- is in this rtepect only robbing themselves of some thousands of pounds worth of wattes, which are being diverted into the pockets of miners in other countries. . , , Owing to the extra freight chargeable on coal coming from countries further afield than Australia there must be a rise in the price of coal, which, it is pointed out, will fall moro heavily upon the shoulders of the working class than the well-to-do.

FOOD SUPPLIES.

SUGAR STILL IN SHORT SUPPLY.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

CHRISTCHURCH, December 3. It was learned from one of the leading grocers to-day that quantities of the new season's fruit for the Christmas trade are at present in Melbourne, and from present indications there is little likelihood of it reaching the dominion in time for Christmas. Seeded rasins and prunes have come to hand from California, and thero is>no difficulty in gotting ejroplies of these fruits. Muscatels, Jordan almonds, dates, figs, sultanas, and various other fruits, come direct from Smyra to Melbourne, and have ronched that port and are likely to remain thero until the Christmas demand is over. Mii6cate!s, for instance, are purely a Christmas line, for whioir there is very little demand after the festive season.

Although supplies of sugar have been coming to hand during the past two or threo days the quantity received has. not been anything like sufficient to meet the demand "from almost every part of Canterbury. After the shortage of tho past two or three weeks tho demands are large. Some grocers in the city raised the liniit of the quantity they sold to 41b, but in some cases they lave had to go back to their previous limit of 21b to each customer.

A COOL REQUEST.

(Fbom Oua Own UmRBspoHOENTj

CHRISTCHURCH, December 3.

At a meeting of the Lyttelton Harbour Board to-day a letter was road from the National Poace Council enclosing a copy of a resolution calling upon the board to do all in its power to discourage and prevent oargo boats from entering the harbour to load or unload during the continuance of the strike, as doing so would bo a possible causo of trouble and an irritant to tho strikers.

Tho Secretary of tho board said he had replied to the effect that the sole object of tho board was to promote trade and to keep the port nncn. and it could not see its way to do anything that would prevent shipping from entering or leaving the port or cargo boing worked. Members of the board were highly amused at tho Peace Council's resolution, which' was characterised as a verv cool piece of "cheek. The secretary's reply was endorsed by the board.

INSULTING BEHAVIOUR,

TWO PEOPLE FINED.

(Peb United Pbesb Association.)

CHRISTOHURCH, December 3. In the Police Court to-day Henry Davis (69 years of ago) and Leonard Rowan (a youth) were changed) with' insulting behaviour to Bpeoial constables last week. Two specials stated that Davis and Rwvan shouted an opprobious word and laughed offensively. Davis denied this, Mr Alpers, his counsel, protested that Davis was arrested on warrant, instead of by summons, and was taken to the station and put in with criminals. The justices fined him £2, in default a week. Kowan denied the charge against him. Ho produced five witnesses, vrho stated that he "»a# not called niter tho specials. He was fined £5.

CHARGE OF OBSTRUCTION. case dismissed. (Pbb Unhid Peebi Abbocutio*.) CHEISTCiIURCH, December 3. W. T. Mills was charged to-day with holding a publio meeting at Sumner so as to obstruct traffic. Evidence was given that Mills addressed a crowd on the Esplanade from a motor car, and that there was some disorder. A constable asked the driver to move on, and ho did bo promptly. The defendant said there was no obstruction, and that directly ho learned that the car waa trespassing on the footpath, he moved on Tho case was dismissed.

SAWMILLING INDUSTRY

SERIOUS DEPRESSION.

(Fbom Oub Own Cobbkspondbnt.)

WANGANUI, December o.

Tho timber milling industry on the Main Trunk line is at present in a very unsatisfactory condition, tho strike causing a sorioius depression in trade. A few mills under tho direction of the Eangaitikei and the South Auckland Association have closed down, but tin; great majority have been ablo to keep going on a reduced staff, the output being reduced to a minimum. It was rumoured last week that tfie King Country sawmiliers had decided to close down their mills, and that about 1000 men would bo out of work. Tha Rangaitikei Sawmiliers' Association, which recently advised; tho millers to reduce their output to a minimum, wrote to the South Auckland Association to ascertain the truth ol tho report. A reply has now been received by the secretary' at Taihapo to tho effect that tho association had not discussed the question of olosing the mills, and did not seo any necessity for completely stopping operations. Tho question was one for the millers themselves to decide.

Very few of the sawmills under the direction of either association have closed down, but some of the independent mills have closed. Tho number of men thrown oat of employment is stated to be between 600 and £00.

STRIKE IN MARLBOROUGH.

FEDERATION METHODS ADOPTED.

A DEADLOCK.

(Peb United Press Association.)

BLENHEIM, December 3.

Some days ago the men at the Dominion Consolidated uuou, Wakamarina, formed a uuion aihuated to the .federation of LaDour. An agreement was entered into witn. trie owners, and none but unionists were employefl; btneo the outbreak of the present strike it was decided to make a levy of one day's pay weekly lor'the benefit of the strikers. Several retused to pay tno levy, and the men decided to "down tools" until the objectors were discharged. The levy question is the direct cause of the strike.

The managing director declined to accede to the demand of the strikers that the men ,who refused to pay str-ke levies bo dismissed. Consequent on this decision a section ol the men became riotous, and arguments punctuated with blcws developed into free fights. The manager's first action was to fay off the moro prominent strikers and to reinstate the men if they agreed to sign on under the Arbitration Act.

The men agreed, provided that the Reefton rules were adopted and that there was no victimisation. The manager insisted on the right to refuse cmplpymont to certain men, who were the cause of tho trouble

A deadlock ensued, and many of the men have already left ihe district. At the rcino only 6ix or seven men resumed work out of a total of 60.

The chairman of directors does not anticipate a serious check in working the mine. The battery is manned by bosses and a few loyalists.

GREYMOUTH WATERSIDE WORKERS.

REMAINING ON STRIKE,

(Pes United Pms9 Association.) GREYMOUTH, December 3 Tho Greymouth waterside workers held a meeting to-day to decido whether tkey should resume work. The proceedings wero extremely lively at times. A secret ballot was taken, and it was decided by 105 votes to 46 to remain on strike.

(From Onit Own Cokiiespondent.) GREYMOUTH, December 3 The result was largely due to a "red" federation invasion from Runanga, the State miners 'working hard to secure tho maintenance of the strike.

THE GREY DISTRICT.

SERIOUS LOSSES.

(Fhom Oub Own Cohkespondent.)

GREYMOUTH, December 3. It is now four.weeks finco the generaJ strike was proclaimed on the West Coast, and since then the wheels of industry have come to a complote standstill. In tho Grey district alone it is estimated that the sum of £28,850 has been lost in wages, made up as follows:—Sawmilling industry, £12,000; State coal miners, £6000; Blackball miners, £5000; Paparoa miners, £1300; Brunner miners, £1200; waterside workers: Union Company, £1700; Annhor Company, £250; ether companies, £500; Blackball, £50; Harbour Board, compulsorily, lost £700; carters, £150. To this, of course, has to bo added the indirect loss, large numbers of small employers having reduced hands. If the less in the Buller district, where the situation is extremely acute, is counted, it will bo found that the amount for the first month falls very little short of £70,C00, but -the most alarming feature is that there is no immediate prospect of the reopening of the coal mines, which in any cose are not likely to regain their normal output in Ices than six months.

All supplies for Greymouth and its immediate vicinity are being brought in via Hokitika, where the local waterside workers are reaping a rich harvest, through the idleness of their Greymouth comrades. Today 500 tons of merchandise were landed, and will in due cource be railed to Greymouth. The. local merchants are simply passing the extra charges thus occasioned on to tho consumers.

The sawmills are a sad reflection of the effects of tho strike. Only one is now running.

The Defender arrived at "Westport last evening after a passage of exactly a week from Lyttelton. Supplies by her have staved off the threatened famine in the northern town.

OPERATIONS AT OAMARU. ' (Pee United Pbess Association.)

OAMARU, December 3.

So far four vessels (the John, Petone, Breeze, and Kuiapoi) have been worked at Oamaru this week, about 25 arbitration unionist being engaged. Very few of them aro old hands. The latter appear to be still firm.

SYDNEY WHARF LABOURERS.

A DISCORDANT MEETING.

MR HUGHES HECKLED.

Pr«u Awocian'on—By Teleeraph—Copjrighl.

SYDNEY, December.3. Two thousand wharf labourers were present at yesterday's "stop-work" mooting, all the wharves being idle

Proceedings at fte meeting wero at times turbulent and discordant. A large section resented confinine the war to New Zealand, desiring a general strike, and threatening further trouble at the ordinary meeting of the Sydney Wharf Labourers' fjnion, to be held to-night. Mr Hughes was besieged and importuned by angry unionists after the mooting. They condemned the decision as contrary to the principles of unionism.. The hecklers of Mr 'Hughes demanded whether, if there were two Union Company boats alongside, one going to Now Zealand and the other to Tasmania, they had to work the latter, ■ which .meant working with "scabs." They wanted to know if they wero not fighting the Union Company.

Mr Hughes replied that they must work everything excepting vessels to and from New Zealand. They were not dealing with companies, but with pkces. -The meeting had decided not to work New ZeaJand boats, and that was nil.

Amid hoots, the turbulent section declared that that was not unionism, one crying that if they had to work with "scabs" there would not bo enough bandages in STdney to tie them up. 'The Herald, commenting on this attitude of the turbulents, says that, although the unionists havo decided to restrict the area 'of tho disturbance, the future is by no means clear.

WOLFE'S SCHNAPPS is a stimulant that will brace you up and stand by you.

SHIPPING MOVEMENTS Pr«u A»«oeittion—By T»!egraph—Copyright SYDNEY, December 3. As a result of the meeting, the UUmaroa and Riverina are to lid up indefinitely. The Union Company will despatch vessels to Tasmania and .Fiji, and anticipate getting the Manuka away for Wellington on Satup day.

The Whakatans and Indrapura will commence discharging cargo to-day. All other deep-sea ships have been relieved of tho threatened trouble for the present. The Maunganui is anchored in Neutra? Bay. Her mail, passengers, and their lug> gage landed by launches. The Waipori and Kakapo, the latter having been trimmed by Union Company'! clerks, have finished loading coal at Newcastle. The Waipori has departed for Wellington, and the Kakapo for Tasmania. The barque Northern Chief is being trimmed by her crew, the usual trimmera declining to work aboard.

FARMERS LIKELY TO ACT. CONSERVATION OF INTERESTS. Pr«ii AißOcUtion—By Telegmph— Copyright SYDNEY, Deoember 3. It is 6tatcd that if the 6kiko area widens and the State's primary products are held un. largo numbers of farmers &rc S mount their horses and ride straight to 4» mi.'U'opolis to load their own product; iu«o the ships. MR HUGHES'S OPINION. PRESS COMMENTS. .

Pr«n Association—By Telegraph—Copyright

SYDNEY, December 3.

Mr Hughes considers that the conference's recommendation, which was cabled to the New Zealand Employers' Federation, is eminently reasonable and practicable for the settlement of the dispute in New Zealand, where it arose. The conference, representing the various unions interested, pledged itself loyally to abido by the decision of the proposed independent arbitrator, and the men would resume normal working conditions as soon as the arbitrator, was appointed. The Herald, commenting on the conference's decision, says that the Federation of Labour was established in order to crush the principle of tho peaceful industrial disputes. It is this attitude which. is fraught with such disaster to the community, and which the New Zealand employers have already, partially fought with success, and which they will still resist, li is this which Mr Hughes and his colleagues are encouraging in the decision to wnioh thev stood sponsors.

The Telegraph says: "The strike has now reached and passed a stage at which the Government can reasonably be appealed to by the community for guidance and protection. Wo are presentee! with the remarkable spectacle of a Government supine and nerveless while a self-constituted Parliament of unionists discuss whether there shall be a general or only a partial strike."

BOYCOTT EXTENDED.

SEAMEN ADOPT SIMILAR ATTITUDE.

FUNDS FOR THE STRIKERS.

Pr««s A*«ociiiion-By Telegraph-Copyright SYDNEY, December 3. (Received Dec. 3, at 9.15 p-m.) Tho wharf labourers to-day extended the boycott to all the Union Company's vessels, and no labour is available for tho Paloona and Wakatipu. which are not engaged in the' Now Zealand trade. This is contrary to the decision reached yesterday.

The discharging of the Sydney cargo aboard the Whakatane andi Indrapura proceeded to-day. The Federated Seamen's Union held a meeting to-day, Senator Guthrie presiding. It passed a resolution to the same effect as that passed by tho wharf labourers, and towork no Now Zealand boats. The Australian Workers' Union has voted £500 and the Bricklayers £50 to. assist the New Zealand strikers.

MR HUGHES INTERVIEWED.

Pim» Association—Br Telegraph—Copyright.

. SYDNEY, December 3. (Received Dec. 3, at 9.15 p.m.) Mr Hughes has received an acknowledgment of his long cablegram from the Employers' Federation in New Zealand, stating that it has been referred to the Employers' Defence Committees throughout the dominion.

On bcinp interviewed Mr Hughes said: "We are assuming that our proposition will bo accepted in New Zealand, and that will end the trouble here eo far as we aro concerned" lie admitted that he had made a suggestion to the New South Wales Industrial Commissioner, but said he was unable to reveal it at present. It had been decided to cable to Mr Massev and Sir J. G. Ward asking them to use their to get. both parties to accept the arbitration proposal. The conference of unionists will bo resumed to-morrow. Mr M'Gowen says the Government ia watching the developments closely, but so far it has seen no useful opportunity of intervention. POSITION SERIOUS IN MELBOURNE. ACCUMULATION OF NEW ZEALAND CARGO. Pr«»i Association— liv Telegraph—Copyright MELBOURNE, December 3. (Received Dec. 3, at 9.15 p.m.) The'wharf labourers' boycott of New Zealand goods has become serious. The Huddart, Parker Co. has abandoned its usual Christmas pudding trip, and 5000 tons of pudding fruits are untouched on the wharves.

No boat has left for New Zealand since November 5. Consignments for New Zealand are stacked on the wharves.

TROUBLE AT NEWCASTLE.

BOYCOTT BY CRANE EMPLOYEES.

Presa Association-By Telegraph-Copyright.' SYDNEY, December 3. (Received Dec. 4, at 0.50 a-m.) The crane employees at Newcastle to-night confirmed its decision not to load the Union Co.'s steamers. The Melbourne Co.'s steamer Brisbane ua been boycotted by the trimmers because it is suspectod that her destination is, Now Zoalaud, though, it is stated that the vessel is loading for Melbourne. The crane employees, however, are still filling her. Tho Wakatimi, which las loaded for Launccston, nod her coai tnmmca by tuo clerical staff*.

Tho important part which Timaru has taken in the recent industrial crisis, is perhaps not quite recognised by the publio generally (says the Timaru Herald). For this the community has to thank the present Waterside Union, tho members of which have remained loyal to their ?.greement in spite of much aggressive intimidation. Tho collier Waitemata, at present in port, before leaving will have put ashore over 7000 tons of coal, some of which' will be railed as far north as Christchurch. thus helping to keep in motion tho wheels of industry.

(Continued on page 8.)