TRADES AND LABOUR.

Otago Witness, Issue 1916, 6 November 1890, Page 30

TRADES AND LABOUR.

The beginning of the end in connection with the strike has been reached. At a meeting on Saturday morning of the Dunedin branch of the Wharf Labourers' Union, it was resolved unanimously, with the consent of the Maritime Labour Council, that the members of the union should return to their former employment. Mr J. A. Millar, secretary of the Maritime Council, spoke at the meeting, and advised those present that the best plan for them to adopt was to return in a body to their work. A similar step is expected to be taken by the other branches of the union throughout the colony. The Federated Seamen's Union, however, have resolved on their part to continue the strike until a settlement is arrived at in Australia.

At meetings at Port Chalmers a similar course of action was resolved upon.

A Greymouth telegram states that the tug went out on Tnesday morning and brought to shore 85 non-union labourers for Brunnerton. They were despatched at once by special train. They are a very mixed looking lot. Three Bteamers are now outside, and three more are due.

The Union Company have now 6720 tons of coal in stook in the various ports of the colony.

Auckland, October 30.

The Grain Storemen's Union have resolved to request the foremen to leave the union. This step was suggested by Mr Mills, president of the Trade and Labour Council, who said the foreman represented the employers and could not do their duty to the masters and to the union as well.

Ootober 31.

The saddlers have decided to discontinue the levy, on the ground that the strike is practically at an end.

November 1.

The Millhanda and Bushmen's Union rejected a motion to sever the connection with the Trades and Labour Council.

November 3.

A rumour having been current that the local management of the Union Company were weeding out non-union labour gradually, and employing old unionists, the local manager gives the statement an emphatic denial. Ten men only have been taken back for special duties on the hulks, &c, and no more will be taken on ; the preference being given to non-union labour. Wellington, October 30. There are now 350 non-union labourers working on the wharves.

The Minister for Lands has had under consideration for the past few days the applications from the leaders of the labour party here for land under special settlemeut conditions. Application was made on behalf of 32 persons requiring an area of 200 acres each, and special terms were requested. The Minister replied declining to grant the request, and intimating that, in order to fall in with their views, the Land Aot would have to be amended. At the same same time Mr Richardson suggested to applicants that there was plenty of land in Taranaki, Hawke'sßay, and Wellington districts which could be taken up under village settlement conditions, or on conditions guiding the occupation of ordinary ratal lands, and that by the adoption of either of these they would escape urvey fees.

November 1.

The outcome of the meeting of strikers is that the Harbour Board and each of the shipping companies has received a letter from the local secretary of the Wharf Labourers' Union, notifying that members of that body are prepared to resume work on Monday next. The non-union labourers on the wharves were addressed this afternoon by Mr Ferguson, secretary of the Harbour Board, who undertook that that body would give the preference in future to non-union labourers, provided they were competent. The representatives of the Shaw, Savill, and Albion and Union Companies also gave an assurance that their companies would not dispense with the services of those nonunion labourers who were capable of doing the work in a satisfactory manner.

The seamen and firemen have not made a move to return, and it is understood they have decided that no effort to get back should be made just at present.

November 3.

The surplus remaining from the labour demonstration amounts to over £100. Onethird of this is carried forward to next y- ar's celebration, another third goes to the Trades Hall, and a third to charity.

The Takapuna and Mahinapua, which were laid up here through the strike, will be placed in commission again this week.

At a meeting of about 40 non-unionists yesterday afternoon, an association to be called the Free Labour Association of Wellington was formed, and a committee appointed to prepare a basis and draw up rules. This committee will recommend to a general meeting to be held Bortly that the objects of the association be as follow : — (1) The maintenance of the present rate of wages ; (2) the procuring of employment for members of the association ; (3) the prevention of conflicts between capital and labour ; (4) in the event of any conflict, that an endeavour be made to have it nettled by arbitration ; (5) the establishment of a benefit fund. With regard to members, they recommend that any person working as a labourer at Wellington be eligible for membership, provided that ho be not a member of any union affiliated to the Maritime Council. These recommendations will be submitted to the employers for approval.

A large number of wharf labourers applied for work to-day, but only about a dozen found employment to work the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's vessels. Over 200 men, including a Dumber of non-union labourers, were unable to obtain work for to-day. .

Chhistchubch, October 30.

The following are believed to bo the circumstances connected with the negotiations for a settlement of the strike Some representatives of the labour party asked the Shipping Committee for a conference. The Shipping Committee consulted the committee of the Employers' Association, who drew up conditions, to which the labour representatives agreed. The Shipping Committee appointed Messrs L. Harper, Stead. Lambie, and A. H. Turnbull a committee to endeavour to nrraoge a general conference. A sub-co • mittee yt^terdny waited on the Employers' Association Committee, who paaged a resolution refusing to confer with any trades not directly interested in the strike ; refusing to negotiate with the Maritime Council on the ground that it was a body with interests ontpide the colony, and refusing to meet Mr Millar as a delegate. The Shipping snb-0 mmittee met representatives of the lumpera, miners, and seamen this afternoon, an.l read the resolution of the. Employers' Af^ociaHon. The labour representatives maintained the righb of the seamen to elect whom they thought fit to represeut them, and declined to go on with the conference on the terms proposed. Mr Millar declines to make a public statement, but it is understood the unionists were willing to work with non-unionists. They have telegraphed throughout the coloDy for the men to resume unconditionally, but wi!i not recognise the Employr*:' **sociation, dealing only with employers individually.

Westpobt, Ootober 31. A movement has been initiated in this district with the object of giving a trial to the much talked of co-operative coal miuiug system. The manager of the new Cardiff Company, Mokihinui, this evening received an offer from a party of miners at Denniston, calling themselves the New Zealand Co-operative Coal Mining Association, to either purchase the property outright or enter into an agreement to work it on profit-sharing principles. The company will take the proposals into consideration immediately.

November 1.

Definite and reliable information as to the present attitude of the Denniston unionists miners is available. The report that the men intended to take a ballot as to resuming work is unfounded. They are firm in their determination to fight it out to the bitter end. The unionists admit that there is no chance of work for them this year, but consider that things are shaping in their favour. A strike donation of £100 has been received from the Amalgamated Miners' Association of Australasia.

November 3.

The lowering machinery in the incline was completed on Saturday. The incline is working smoothly and well. About 400 tons of coal were sent down to-day. It is expected double that quantity will be sent down to-morrow. The union men have not yet applied for work.

Gbeymooth, October 30.

The miners held another meeting to-day late in the afternoon. They agreed to accept the company's terms unconditionally. About 200 made application individually for work and their names were taken down ; possibly 70 or 80 will be taken on, but all non-unionists who have previously applied are certain to get work. Amongst the applicants are men from the town of Reefton and navvies on the line. Many of the miners are much incensed against the leaders for misrepresenting the true nature and position of affairs.

October 31.

The Argus' correspondent wires from Brunnerton that at a meeting of miners held this evening it was decided that the men fortunate enough to get work should contribute onefourth of their pay to the support of the unemployed.

November 2.

So many miners besieged the manager's office at Brunnerton to be taken on that a notice was posted outside stating that those wanted will be sent for, as it is now intended to employ two shifts in 24 hours. Not more than 70 or so of the old hands were engaged.

The Coal Commission is still sitting, taking a great deal of evidence, some extending back to the very early days of the Brunner mine, when coal was brought down the river in barges.

Only six unionist wharf lumpers have yet applied for work.

November 3. The first lot of coal for weeks was sent down this morning.

Some of the old miners at Brunnerton scarcely realise the fact of their being unable to get employment in the mines. Many who applied received a blunt refusal.

All the new hands put on at Brunnerton today were set to work in the Brunner mine, and the old hands at Coalpitheath. The manager is extremely well pleased with the way the new hands worked. One pair of miners (old diggers) put out 24 skips of coal — about 12 tons. The men also seemed to be satisfied with the work, and worked with great spirit. Nineteen trucks of coal were sent to port to-day. The work of the new men ranged from 15 to 24 skips. Lsttelton, November 3

The wharf labourers offered themselves for work to-day. Some few were employed, and the rest who seek employment will have to pass through the labour bureau, and take their chance with the non-unionists.

Chbistchuech, October 31.

The Employers' Association met to-day. The committee reported that 130 firms or single employers had joined, representing all interests. The manufacturers on the association employed 3500 hands. The executive have refused to recognise the Maritime Council in the proposed negotiations for the prevention of strikes in future, as that body had connections with Australia, and was responsible for the present difficulty. They refused to meet Mr Millar, as it was impossible to disassociate him from tbe Maritime Council. The action of the executive was approved, and the general feeling expressed that it would be wiße to meet delegates of the various uoions for the purpose of putting future operations on a more satisfactory basis.

A Stevedoring Association has been formed, not with a view to making a profit but to carry on the work of the port in a satisfactory manner. Shareholders restrict themselves to a dividend of 6 per cent., any balance to profit to be utilised for the benefit of employes or to form a reserve fund. Subscribers to the memorandum of association undertake to employ the company as stevedores, or to obtain their labour through the company. The subscribers represent the principal shipping companies and merchants of Ohristchurcb. Only a small proportion of shares will be available for subscription by the public.

November 3,

The wharf labourers at Lyttelton though willing to work object to apply through the labour bureau established during the strike, as they say they would have to be selected by man who are not acquainted with their capabilities or the nature of their work.

The executive of the Society of Railway Servants have decided that all hands now out should apply for re-emplryment in the service and be allowed to sign the commissioners' note of agreement without prejudice to their position as unionists. It was also resolved to at once tako a ballot of all members as to whether th" society's connection with the Maritime. Council uhall be continued. The Executive state tbafc over half those who Btruck have re-accepted employment on the commissioners' terms. Oamaru, November 3.

A deputation from the Oamaru Wharf Labourers' Union waited on the local agent of the U S.S. Company on Saturday, and asked that the men be taken on in a body, as they were desirous that whatever work was available should be participated in by all. The agent Ba : d that the men must apply individually. Ha said that he had received instructions to that effect. He also recommended the men to sever tbeir connection with the Dunedin organisation.

At a meeting held on Saturday night the men decided unanimously not to return to work except in a body.

The Wakatipu is being worked by non-union labour from Dunedin.

The railway truck hands resumed work tnis morning.

Inyercakgill, November 3.

The president of tho Bluff Wnsrf Labourers' Union has interviewed the local manager of the Union S.S. Coranany, and intimated that unionists are prepared to re3ume work at the company's steamers, and asked that they be pven a preference in future. The ogent informed him that while he would be glad to employ the Bluff men as opportunity offered, it was not to be expected that he would abandon in their favour the non-union labourers who br.d come to the assistance of the company in tbe time of their trouble, and to whom he considered himself pledged.

I Sydney, Ootober 29. miners at the Wallsend, Stockton, Glebe, and Ferndale coal mines have resolved not to resume work until their position is clearly I defined.

October 30. Something like a split has occurred in the labour camp through the president of the Trades Hall and other leaders attending the farewell banquet given by the colonists to Lord Carrington. At a mass meeting of unionists resolutions condemning their action were carried, and speeches of a rather revolutionary character were delivered. A deputation from the strikers waited on Sir Henry Parkes to-day, requesting that the chairman of the Labour Defence Committee be heard at the bar of the House. The Premier, in reply, said he thought Parliament would not allow anyone to appear to state the views of one party on a great question concerning the public as a whole. He suggested that they should put forth their grievances in the shape of a petition to the House. The deputation further asked the Premier if he could do anything to alleviate the distress of the wives and families of the strikers. He replied that the Government were inclined to push on public works, but they did not appreciate the course taken by either side, or the reluctance shown to meet in conference. The strike, so far as he could see, had taken place on entirely inadequate grounds. In the House of Assembly the Speaker ruled against hearing the labour delegate at the bar of the House.

October 31. The Marine Officers' Association have withdrawn from the Labour Defence Committee, stating that there is nothing to gain by standing out, and that they consider themselves fairly beaten. They have written to the steamship owners asking for an interview. Several attacks on non-unionists have been reported during the past two days. A body of 300 men rushed a steamer from Newcastle which was lying at th* wharf and maltreated the non-unionists who were working on board her. One man was thrown bodily into the water, bat his rescue was effected. Eventually the police succeeded in quelling the disturbance. One of the sergeants of police was wounded by a piece of road metal which was hurled at him, and he had to be conveyed to the hospital. The steamship owners have declined to accede to the request of the Marine Officers' Association for a conference, but have intimated to individual members that they will be pleased to meet their late officers at any time when not associated with any other labour bodies. At the annual meeting of the Employers' Union, the president in his address Paid thai; employers generally, having formed themselves into a union, were Dot desirous of seeing the end of unionism among trades, but they consider it is the duty of the labour leaders to take a ballot of those interested before proceeding to extreme measures.

November 3. The Labour Defence Committee have cot received any information from London about a loan of £20,000. Acute distress prevails among the wives and families of those on strike. The quantity of wool received up to date, as compared with the corresponding period of last year, shows a decline of 50,000 bales. Sixty non-union labourers on the Australian United Company's wharf struck work to-day, refusing to work with constant men. Their places were filled immediately.

November 4. The unions in connection with the furniture trade have declined to continue the levy in aid of the strikers, but they will devote the amount of the levy to the relief of the wives and families in distress. The miners at the Great Northern Company's colliery have resumed work, despite the order of the Miners' Executive to await the result of a conference between the masters and miners.

Newcastle, October 31. The coal trimmers have decided not to return to work without the sanction of the Labour Defence Committee. In reply to the request of the miners to be taken back, the mine owners have intimated to the men that they are willing to meet them in conference at an early date. Melboubne, Ootober 30. The Strike Committee having acoused employers of bribing the press, the latter have decided not to receive auy further comtnuuications from the committee until a full retraction has been made by them.

November 1. The Trades Council have received a formal letter announcing the withdrawal of the Mercantile Marine Officers' Association, The letter states that the association have no longer any desire to remain affiliated with the Trades Council, as they recognise that they are only stumbling-blocks to the peaceful settlement of the present labour difficulty.

November 3. The officers have written to the steamship owners submitting to them their views. Their claims include the right to combine, an increase of salary, and the establishment of three watches. The owners have replied recognising the first claim, and informing the officers that with respect to watches the subject is still under the consideration of owners. The assurances given by the owners have been accepted by the officers. Th>. loaders of the strike loudly blame the officers for their ingratitude in withdrawing from the Labour Dtfenco Committee. The Conference of Pastoral Unions has resolved to affiliate with all Australasian pastoralists.

Adelaide, November 4. The Strike Committee have written to the Mercantile Marine Officers' Association stating that their action in withdrawing from tho Labour Defence Committee removes the obstacle in tho way of a settlement of the labour difficulty, and they are now prepared to allow the men on strike to resume work on the old terms.

Brisbane, October 30. Consequent on the acMon taken by theMelbourne branch of tho Marino Officers' Association, the local branch has been dissolved.

November 1. A party of non-union labourers here struok work owing to a reduction of the pay for overtime from 3s to Is 6d per hour, but they resumed on condition that 2s was paid till the end of the week.

November 3. The Australian Labour Federation have issued a manifesto to th°. Queensland unions recommending the members to return to work. The opinion is expressed that it is hopeless to prolong the fight. The circular states that tho committee endeavoured to secure a simultaneous return to work throughout Australia, but their efforts in this direction were unsuccessful. It concludes: "We came out pledged to stand together. Let us go back together, beaten, bufc neither disbanded nor disgraced." London, October 28. Subscription lists in aid of tho Australian strikers, which were distributed amongst the various unions, are made returnable before November 7.

Mr Tom Mann complains that the dock companies have treated him in an underhand manner, inasmuch as they telegraphed to the authorities requesting them to hold troops in readiness to protect non-union labourers at the Victoria and Albert docks after they had favourably regarded the proposals which he had submitted to them.

October 29.

The committee of the Dockers' Union state that there is every prospect of the revised scheme put forward by the dock companies being accepted by the men, and an amicable arrangement thereby be come to. At a meeting of the Shipowners' Association of Cardiff it was decided to lay up the vessels under the control of that branch in cases where the Seamen's Union have interfered with the crews, or militated against the successful working of the vessels.

At a conference of dockers' delegate, representing 250,000 men, a resolution in favour of federation of labour was carried.

The sailors and firemen are insisting on shipowners re-engaging their old crews. The Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company decline to reengage the Tainui's crew, and are engaging fresh hands.

October 30.

Mr Edwards, of Sydney, has wired to Mr Fitzgerald, the labour delegate, that 13,000 people are idle, and tbe funds are exhausted. He urges him to remit money at once to avert a collapse.

A hearty welcome was extended to Mr Fitzgerald, the labour candidate, by Messrs Burns, Tom Mann (of the Dockers' Union), and S. J. Davis (a delegate from Belfast). Mr Fitzgerald addresses the Trades Council on Tuesday, when he will give au account of the difficulty in Australia.

Fifty unions have joined the Board of Conciliation which was formed recently under the auspices of the London Chamber of Commerce.

The Shipping Federation are opening an office for the engagement of non-unionists. Mr J. D. Fitzgerald, the Sydney labour delegate, is convening a meeting of trade delegates. He declared that the masters are to blame for the strike, and that he has been advised that the statement that the strike has collapsed is baseless.

The Chronicle eulogises Mr Fitzgerald personally, and says that it is impossible for Mr Burns to be spared to visit Australia.

Mr Burns declares that owing to the federation of employers tho workmen are not strong enough to sustain a strike unless there is some unusual chance of their proving victorious.

The coal porters engaged in 12 of the vessels unloading at Plymouth have struck owing to rion-unionistu having been taken on to assist in the work.

The Labour Federation has been formed, with- Mr Tom Mann as president. The rules have been adopted, and it is expected the federation will comprise upwards of 100 unions. October 31.

The executive of the Dockers' Union express themselves satisfied with the terms offered by the shipping companies, and have forbidden a strike which threatened to take place on Monday. It is believed that a co-operative system of labour will generally be adopted by the dockers.

The shipowners are afraid that if the proposition to lay up all the vessels in the United Kingdom be carried into effect, foreign vessels will be utilised and the trade of Great Britain be thereby diverted into other channels. November 1.

Mr J. D. Fitzgerald, the Sydney labour delegate, in an interview with a representative of the Pall Mall Gazette, stated that the strike in Australia was owing to the masters attempting to smash up the unions. This was the kernel of the matter, and it was not the question of the employment of non-union labour.

Mr Fitzgerald denies that the refusal of Australian unionists to work with non-union labourers was the origin of the strike, as first mooted in a letter written to the Melbourne Age by Mr H. Champion, the English labour advocate.

Mr Burns states that he is incredulous as to the genuineness of Mr Champion's cablegram. Mr Fitzgerald unfurled the sailors' banner at Poplar to-day, and in the course of a speech said the primary object of his visit to England was to explain the exact position of affairs in Australia, and not a begging expedition. This statement was received with loud cheering. A circular jusfc issued by the unionists appeals to the trades for an advance of money to assist the Australian strikers, and guarantees that any money advanced will be repaid. The circular goes on to say that it is advisable to be generous in view of the likelihood of a multitude of brethren being compelled to seek shelter in Australia.

A manifesto issued by shipowners refers to the collapse of the Australian strikes, and states that a similar defeat awaits aggressive unionism in England.

A circular issued by the Trades Council states that the various trades in England have sufficient funds in reserve to enable them to grant the loan of £20,000 required by the Australian strikers if the respective unions are agreeable to the funds being devoted to that object. The circular also appeals to the unions in Canada and the United States to render monetary assistance to the strikers in Australia. November 212 1

Mr Tom Mann has made a further appeal to the dockers not to strike, pending the result of negotiations now being carried on with the owners and companies for the co-operative system of labour Trouble is feared, as the dockers show a rebellious disposition, and as thn irritation is increasing the outlook for to-morrow is ominous.

The corn porters at Allan and Wilson's are remaining obdurate. The firm are introducing machinery at their works 1 which will have the effect of *■"] rowing many of the men out of work.

Mr Fitzgerald, the Sydney delegate, in the course of an interview with Lloyd's ag.nt, denied that the officers were affiliated to the Trades Hall, and mentioned that the latter had simply asMstcd to lock out the steamship owners. He said the shipowners had broken their promise of increase of pay to the officers, and accused them of conspiracy against the men generally. He admitted the strikers in Sydney wnre not prepared to stand a siege, and probably some of the strikers were in a starving condition.

Mr Patchett Martin, in the National Review, severely condemns the unionists of Australia.

Mr FitzßeraK in replying to Mr Martin, states that the latter is out of touch with the colonies. The strike was first with labour, bnt now it is capital on strike against labour and the public

Mr Davitt has proceeded to DubHn to arrange for tbe reception of Mr Fitzgerald there in December.

Earl Dunraven is inquiring of Mr Fitzgerald the condition of working men in Australia. November 3.

The Shipping Federation bslievo that if the laying up of vessels is resorted to rt will not, exceed a fortnight, owing to the abundance of firemen. Birmingham manufacturers complain that tho

Australian strikes have seriously checked the hardware industry. The executive of the Typographical Society has advised the London compositors to abstain from farther subscribing to the Australian strike fund.

It is hoped that the friction between the dockowners and dockers will be only trivial. The dockers at Tilbury have agreed to await the result of the negotiations proceeding re the cooperative system. Cardinal Manning exhorts the men to be moderate in their demands.

The seamen at Cardiff are insisting that only unionists shall be employed. The shipowners are resolute that they shall employ non-union labour if they so desire. Mr Tom Mann, speaking at Wapping, said the laying up of vessels would mean social revolution and a triumph for foreigners, and it was impossible to declare war against 500,000 workmen, their wives, and families. The shipowners threaten to organise non-unionists in all branches of the shipping trade to checkmate the labour federation.

The dockers employed at the Albert and Victoria docks have disobeyed the orders of their leaders and struck work.

Under pressure of the Dockers' Executive, the men who went out at the Victoria and Albert docks have temporarily resumed work. The dockers resumed work very sullenly, and threaten to destroy their tickets a week hence if they are compelled to work with non-union labourers.

The Dockers' Union is deficient in funds, and unable to sustain a severe fight, its financial position stopping further funds being sent to Australia.

The shipowners are perfecting their plans to resist the dockers, and will erect barracks in view of an emergency arising.

The executive of the Dockers' Union have issued a manifesto in which they say that while Australia is requiring aid it is ungracious on the part of the dockers to take any action which would tend to prevent assistance being sent there.

The dock owners' are satisfied with the piecework as carried out at the Albert and Victoria docks, and are hopeful to extend the system to other docks.

November 4.

It is stated that the shipowners have sufficient non-unionists to make the comparative scheme workable, and it is believed they are trying to force a strike, relying on the promise of military assistance to maintain order.

A great strike is probable on Friday.

The carpenters of England have decided to strike in May for eight hours labour and an increase of wages to lOd per hour.

Owing to the strike among the coal porters at Plymouth the merchants and their friends are discharging coal.

Four unionist firemen, who were charged at Cardiff with a breach of articles by refusing to work with non-union men, have been sentenced to one month's imprisonment each.