TRADES AND LABOUR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2006, 4 August 1892, Page 34

TRADES AND LABOUR.

(Per Press Association.)

London, Jane 26. The Washington authorities condemn the punishment of the recalcitrant soldier without trial. The public are furious with the officers of the regiment. July 27. Mr Carnegie has offered to return to Pittsbuvg if his presence is likely to lead to accommodation, but a reply has been sent statin" that he is not required. ° ,r „ July 29. .Mr Carnegie, interviewed upon the subject of the strike among his men, declined to express any opinion. He had not worked the business for three years, having, confidence in his managers. July 30. The Russiau Jew who shot Mr Fick, manager of Carnegie's mills, has been committed for trial. The Chronicle's American correspondent thinks- that the Pittsburg strike will help the Democrats in the Presidential contest. The soldier who was hung up by his thumbs at Pittsburg has sued three of the officers for LlOOO damages for the outrage. New Yobk, July 28. An attempt was made to destroy Carnegie's mills by means of a gas explosion, but it was frustrated. Had the explosion been successfully carried out the lives of 140 workmen would have been endangered. The men on strike declare that protended free men will be sent to the mills to place explosives for the destruction of the works unless unionists are re-engaged. July 30. The courts of Idaho have decided that the Miners' Union has been guilty of conspiracy, and the rioters will be charged with conspiracy in addition to murder. August 1. The builders of New York have struck against a reduction of wages. Fifteen thousand men are affected. The case of the soldier James, who was suspended by the thumbs for cheering the roan who attempted to shoot Mr Fick, is exciting public indignation all over the United States. Tho Central Labour Union havo demanded that the workmen in the National Guards shall resign. Melboubnk, July 27. At the half-yearly meeting of shareholders of the Broken Hill Proprietary mine the manager denied that the mine was in a bad, shaky condition. With regard to the strike, the directors had done their best for the benefit of the shareholders, but it was no use employing 1000 men when there was only work for 500. On the motion to adopt the report Mr Sheath, secretary of the Broken Hill Miners' Association, moved an amendment referring the report back for explanations and corrections. Tho question in dispute was nob stoping by contract, but freedom of contract. If the directors stood by the agreement with tho men, there would be no dispute about stoping by contract. The amendment was not seconded. The meeting unanimously supported tho directors. Brisbane, July 28. A dispute has arisen at Charters Towers over the hours worked. The unionists forcibly carried away the engine-driver. Stones were freely thrown. Two of the ringleaders have been arrested. July 30. The dispute over the number of hours worked by the railway hands at Charters Towers has been settled. Sydney, July 29. The Broken Hill miners are reported to have two months' supplies of provisions. Further assistance is on the way. August 2. The manager of the Proprietary Mine states that the terms of the notice to the miners have expired, and owners are now free to take what action they deem necessary to work tho mines. A telegram in the Hobart Mercury of the 22nd, fron Broken Hill, states that it is becoming evident that the men are tiring of the conflict, and if protection is afforded them a large number of those now on strike will accept the offer of the directors to reopen the mines on the contract system. Even at this early stage of the struggle many families are suffering much privation and misery. The Defence Committee has had to relieve the most pressing cases by cash or goods. The Defence Committee has voted L4OO for the establishment of central stores for the issue of provisions and goods in lieu of strike pay. A private letter from Broken Hill, received iv Adelaide, states that the pickets have encountered very severe weather, from which there is little or no shelter. The hospital is now largely occupied by men suffering from pleurisy and other complaints developed while doing picket duty. The New Lambton coal miners have rejecced the motion of the Delegate Board to forward LlOOO to the Broken Hill miners on the ground of great distress in the district, and the funds of the association will not afford it. A meeting of the Labour Day Committee held last evening was attended by delegates from the following trades : — Carpenters, tailors, pressers, timber workers, tailoresses, bootmakers, seamen, engineers, compositors, ga§ employes, iron and brass moulders, shop assistants, and butchers. The following office-bearers were elected : — President, Mr J. A. Millar ; vice-presidents, Messrs J. Cockburn and R. Slater; treasurer, Mr G. Purches; trustees— Messrs Pinkerton, Slater, and Caradus ; secretary, Mr R. Clark. A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring officers, and after routine business the meeting adjourned.