MR HISLOP'S RESIGNATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 972, 5 September 1889, Page 16

MR HISLOP'S RESIGNATION.

When the House met this afternoon the Government at once proceeded with the orders of the day, questions being postponed with the consent of the House in order that some of the bills might be disposed of. To tell the truth, the House was not in the humour for business, the report of the Ward- Christie Committee having just been made public property, and as the Native bills stood first on the list, members seized the opportuntity of taking themselves off to the lobby to discuss the latest political- sensation, which has been sprung upon them by the resignation of the Colonial Secretary, so a few enthusiastic members kept the business of the House going, and very slow business it was. Things are nearly as bad to-night, and beyond the Ward-Hislop controversy, which, notwithstanding the finding of the committee, goes on as briskly as ever, there is nothing particular stirring. The verdict of the Ward-Hislop Committee U generally endorsed, though there are many who express surprise at the action of the Colonial Secretary in placing his resignation in the hands of the Premier. I think I can fairly say however, that the majority of members hold that Mr Hislop has taken the only course open to him that is compatible with hia own dignity. The Committee of the Legislative Council appointed to inquire into the circumstances connected with the correspondence between the Colonial Secretary and Judge Ward was composed as follows: — Hons. Messrs Wilson, Stßvens, Swanson, Oliver, Reynolds, Buckley, Shepherd, and Pollen. I understand that the voting on the motion for the adoption of the report was as follows: — Ayes: Messrs Wilson, Swanson, Reynolds, Buokley, Shepherd, and Dr Pollen ; the dissentients being Messrs Stevens and Oliver.

Rumour of course is very busy, and it is said that the Premier declines to accept Mr Hislop's resignation; that it was settled at a Cabinet meeting this rooming that the Colonial Secretary should resign ; and again, that the matter is to be considered at a meeting of the Cabinet tomorrow morning. From what I cau gather I believe that the latter statement is the correct one. It; is further stated that following the resignation of his seat in the Cabinet, Mr Hislop will, as soon as passible, place his resignation as member for Oimaru in the hands of Sir Maurice O'Rorke, aud that he will return toOamaruand give his constituents an opportunity of expressing their opinion of his action. Whether or not this true, I cannot; say. I have seen Mr Hislop, who says that he has not made up his mind upon any probable future step. Of course rumour is also assigning a number of members to the vacant portfolio, and amongst others the names of J. B. White and Downie Stewart are prominently mentioned. Another rumour affecting the last named gentleman is that he is to be elected to the Legislature CounoiL It is again currently reported that nothwithstand a recent contradiction, Mr Fergus will leave the Ministry at the end of the eesaipn. I hear on good authority that there is no truth in the rumour to the effect that the Premier declined to accept

Mr Hialop's resignation. It Is even ; said that the acceptance of the Minister's resignation has been determined upon, though I am of opinion, in the face of information previously obtained from a reliable source, that nothing will be decided until after to-morrow's meeting of the Cabinet.

Wellington, September 3.

Shortly after the report of the Ward-Christie Committee had been presented to the Legislative Council this afternoon a rumour waa current that, in consequence of the strictures passed on him by the committee, the Hon. Mr Hislop, Colonial Secretary, had tendered his resignation as Minister of the Crown. It appears that Mr Hislop had written out his resignation last night with the intention cf immediately handing it to the Premier, but at the request of the latter decided to give the matter another night's consideration. This morning Mr Hislop finally resolved to adhere to his first intention, and asked to be relieved of the cares of office. The resignation is before the Cabinet, and the Premier has informed Mr Hislop he will probably give a reply to-morrow. Mr Hislop states that the disputed points between Judge Ward and himself having become more of a personal character, the main issues are being lost sight of, and it is with the view of bringing these prominently before the country that he wishes to have a free hand.

DOCK LABOURERS' STRIKE.

AN INCKBASE IN WAGES KEFUSED.

TERRIBLE PRIVATIONS OF THOSE ON STRIKE.

THE DOCK COMPANIES REFUSE TO

GIVE WAY.

STRIKERS RECEIVE SYMPATHY FROM

ALL QUARTERS.

(Per Press Association.)

London, August 28.

Several coal carters at King's Cross railway station have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment for rioting and intimidation.

Burns, the Socialist leader, states that 150,000 strikers are determined to prevent the employment of Belgian labourers to the exclusion of British subjects.

The Ruapehu sailed to-day for New Zealand.

The joint committee of the companies and strikers has advised the abolition of middlemen and an increase in wages. The directors of the dock companies have agreed to concede the former, but refuse any monetary increase. August 29. The dock owners have held a conference at which it was decided to agree to everything except the demand for 6d an hour. The dock men refused to accept the compromise, and Burns is engaged in negotiating a settlement.

Wharfingers will unload on to wharves from midstream, and boycott the docks;

Three thousand Belgians have offered their services at 4£d an hour,

Burns telegraphed to the Belgian labour leaders to stop coal carters from coming, and was successful in inducing them to do so.

Seventy thonsand carcases of Australian mutton have been unloaded.

The Glasgow dock labourers are demanding an advance of per hour. The stevedores have published a manifesto, in which they say they do not complain themselves, but sympathise with the dockmen. Thousands similarly situated are striking daily, and riverside factories, foundries, and warehouses are confined to unskilled labour.

Men who do not belong to the union are totally without means, and frightful privation has been caused by this labour crisis. The payments from strike funds average are £1000 per day. There 100,000 married men on strike, and their allowance is limited to Is 6d worth of food daily for each family. The pickets get 2s per day. Thousands of women and children besiege the food depot, where the scenes are perfectly harrowing. The committee beg that the strike may be confined to riverside labourers, otherwise they fear the movement will collapse from its own inherent weakness.

August 29. Mr T. Sutherland, chairman of the P. and O. Company, states that the principal shipping companies are discussing a proposal to construct a co-operative dock.

The Thames wharfingers have accepted the strikers' terms, and it is expected many of the men will resume work to-day. The strikers have permitted the Fifeshire and Kaikoura to unload their mutton, and the market is" consequently abundantly stocked for the time being, and business is flat. Prices are the same as last week.

The Austral has arrived at Plymouth, and has been ordered to G-ravesend. The Liguria is loading at Plymouth wharf; 1 Wharfingers threaten that unless the dock companies virtually concede the men's demands they will proceed to work the wharves and unload ships in the river instead of at the docks. The strikers have agreed to this course, but the companies adhere to the determination arrived at yesterday not to grant an increase of wages.

The New Zealand Shipping Company's clerks are loading the Hurunui. August 30. The Strike Committees describe the companies' concessions as a farce, and announces that it will call labour of all grades and descriptions out on strike on Monday unless the demands of men are conceded in full by noon on Saturday.

The latest development of the strike is that the Sailors' and Firemens' Union— 6o,ooo strong — have offered to come out.

August 31. The dock companies have refused the offer of 3000 Belgian labourers at 4^d per hour. The men on strike are greatly elated at the sympathy expressed by the wharf labourers at Sydney and Brisbane.

The wharfingers have submitted a compromise covering the substance of the strikers demand slightly modifying the 6d rate of wage per hour when engaging casual workers longer than four hours. The dock companies and some of the wharfingers have, however, declined to entertain this proposal. The men on strike to-day received £1600 from sympathisers.

It has been resolved to continue the strike*

Shipowners and the leader of the wharfinger men on strike have conferred to arrange the terms on which vessels will be discharged in the river, with the result that on Monday it has been decided to boycott the dock companies. The meeting was, however, adjourned until Monday. Public opinion condemns the action of the dock companies, and the clergy of all sects express sympathy with the dock labourers in their endeavour to receive a higher rate of wages.

Conservatives, Liberals, and Radicals are alike subscribing to aid the strikers.

Socialists contracted to enter the agitation on the basis that trade unionists, otherwise strikers, refuse their assistance (sio). The Fifeshire has discharged the third of her cargo, and as she has plenty of coal her mutton remains in good condition. From the Kaikoura 6000 carcases have been landed, and -the steamer has sufficient coal to last for some days yet.

The police are reported to sympathise with the dock men, and it is believed they cannot be relied on in case of riot.

Burns expects to be arrested for the part he has played in the affair, and has arranged for a successor to replace him in the leadership of the Socialist party. Panic and riot are feared. It is expected that by Monday there will be a quarter of a million men on strike.

The dock owners show no signs of giving way. The utmost they will agree to is to offer 5d per hour and promise to endeavour to pay for piecework at the rate of 6d per hour. The men insist on 6d for regular work.

The number of men on strike, outside the dock labourers, has diminished, and is estimated to be not more than 100,000.

Funds are stated to be increasing. Sixty thousand seamen unionists have offered monetary and active assistance.

The wool sales will begin on the 17th, if the strike does not prevent them being held at all. Colonial brokers and merchants arc suffering heavily, and it is reckoned that two million pounds worth of colonial imports and exports are blocked by this sudden revolt of the men.

Two thousand East End sailors have struck for a decrease in the hours and an increase in wages, and it is expected that the number will increase to 20,000. September 1. The strikers have withdrawn the general strike manifesto and issued an appeal for financial aid.

It is rumoured that the proprietors of the Albert Dock have agreed to the men's demands.

The shipowners have applied to the companies ior permission to engage their own labour.

The mediators proposed that the labourers' wages should be 2s for four hours, and 4s for nine hours, but were not listened to.

The strikers are expected to receive vast additions to their ranks on Monday.

The reports of women and children begging for food are reiterated.

The paper mills are stopping for want of materials.

It is hoped that the agreement between shipowners and wharfingers to discharge vessels in the river may possibly terminate the strike, but rioting is feared and enormous insurances have been effected. Thousands of men are flocking to Hyde Park

Cardinal Manning interceded, but without effect. Mr Bunton, M.P., appealed to Government to intercede, but Mr Goschen declined.

The Woolwich lightermen have struck; also 2000 ironworkers.

At the Keighley Gas Company's works they are short of coal, and are getting anxious. September 2. The strikers have issued a new manifesto, in which they declare they will continue the strike until their original demands have been granted. Appeal is made to all societies throughout the whole country for assistance.

The shipping companies have formed a committee to arrange for the discharge and loading of their own vessels. Shipowners have insured their property against injury by riots to the extent of £2,000,000.

The strike has cost the P. and O. Company £15,000 during the past fortnight.

The Salvation Army, together with Mr Buxton, M.P., and others, are providing daily food for thousands of the strikers' families, and funds are urgently needed to avert absolute starvation. Further large contributions are anticipated from America and Australia. Thestonemasons in America have promised to remit £100 weekly.

The strikers' cause is being warmly advocated by a number of members of Parliament, including Messrs Bremer, Graham, Stuart, and James Rowlands.

At a large meeting of wharfingers resolutions were carried advising the men to accept the terms offered by the dock companies. The dock companies will to-morrow forward a reply to the application of shipping companies for permission to engage their own labourers to discharge vessels.

Great precautions have been made to suppress any intimidation on the part of those on strike.

The strikers' meeting in Hyde Paik was of an orderly character. Burns said the marks of sympathy they had received from the colonies were true federation. Parleying had ended, and the men now await the surrender of the dock owners. The meeting was smaller than the last.

The dock owners say they will only negotiate with employes. Pickets are being doubled. The agreement between wharfingers and shipowners has collapsed. The strikers are quiescent. Eight hundred " blacklegs " are housed and employed in the docks. The directors of the companies allege that Burns has just invited 7000 strikers to invade the docks and remove these men, and have appealed to Mr Matthews (Home Secretary) for help. The police have been despatched to their assistance.

September 3. The Trades Union Congress at Dundee has advised the various trade unions to render financial support to the men on strike in London. The directors of the dock companies have

refused to see Burns, who is acting for the f prospecting licenses; also. to communicate with strikers, owing to his insulting behaviour. I Mr Pogson to attend a meeting of the council They assert they can procure abundance of J nex * Thursday for further consideration of the labourers if the menaces of the strikers be ' matter. . suppressed. j ' i== The shipowners are strongly inclined to re- ' To Ovebcome Weakness. — Pepper's Quinine volt at the action of the dock companies. £?<* Iron Tonic &***> New Life, Appetite, The-strikers are 'enfeebled by hunger. s e^hl^ hl st " n « th » ? ad Energy.. Cures Nervous BKISBANE, August 30. Polity, Neuralgia, Indigestion.— Half-crown The wharf labourers here have cabled a p o^, Everywhere. In 813 t on having sum of £150 in aid of the London dock - men. ' " — "

To Ovebcome Weakness. — Pepper's Quinine and Iron Tonic gives New Life, Appetite, Health, Strength, and Energy. Cures Nervous Debility, Neuralgia, Indigestion. — Half-crown bottles. Everywhere. Insist on having Pepper's.

Sydney, August 31. The wharf labourers have cabled £500 to the London dock strikers. September 3. The local Seamen's Union to-day voted the first inslalment of £500 in aid of the London dock labourers' strike.

Melbouene, August 31. Public subscriptions are being invited here and in Adelaide to assist the London strikers.

September 3. At a mass meeting of sympathisers with the London strike £1700 was collected.