TRADES AND LABOUR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2087, 22 February 1894, Page 17

TRADES AND LABOUR.

Press Association.— By Telegraph.— Copyright. London, February 18.

An amalgamation has been effected between the Shearers' and the General Labourers' Unions, and the two bodies are now conferring together. This is the first step towards a general amalgamation of bush ! unions. Adelaide, February 17. The unemployed marched ia procession through the streets in defiance of the bylaw which provides that the consent of the mayor muse be obtained to such demonstrations, though he specially refused permission. The procession proceeded to the Destitute Asjlum and demanded shelter, bat the police barred the entrance. February 19. In consequence of defying the by-law against processionp, a force of 60 troopers dispersed aaothir attempted demonstration yesterday, arresting two of the leaders, and seizing the banner of the unemployed, who, however, assembled at Monte fiore Hall, where several inflammatory speeches were delivered. One leader incited the men to take possession of St. Peter's Cathedral, but better j counsels prevailed, and the demonstration was prevented. February 20. Tho leaders of the unemployed were fined LlO and costs, or in default three months' imprisonment, Brisbane, February 20. The annutl session of tho Australian Labour Federation has opened in Charters Towers. The Oamaru Mail states that Mr J. Dockerell, delegate froni the Timaru brauch, interviewed the executive of the Amalgamated Shearers' and Labourers' Uuion at Waiiaato, and slated that tho nicu there were prepared to stand out for 9s and Hi for threshiDg, thoee being the Wai mate rates, mid the .assifitunce of the executive in the event of a skiko occurring was sought. It was promiaod that the matter should receive careful consideration.

Unemployed agitators are urgit g that the Duke of Westminster and other aristocrats be hanged from lamp posts, as was done in Paris during the Revolution. February IG. Williams, addressing a crowd at the Tower Hill, said that when the Tories were in office, Mr A>quith found money for tbe unemployed agitation in ordtr to harass the Government, and now he was Homo Secretary himself he was afraid to arro-st him. Tho Unionist press denounce Williamß for his violent language, and state that he ia an insignificant agitator. Melbouknb, February 15. The Minister for Works, in replying to a deputation, said be was sorry to state that it would be necessary to discharge a large number of men in tbe workshops before the winter, and he expected that the Port Melbourne shops would have 'to be abolished altogether. February 20. A difficulty is threatened in the boot trade owirg to a propos&l of the masters to reduce the 1 g prices. Tbo employers state that tbis step is necessitated by one manufacturer having imported machinery which enables him to make an ordinary class of boot Is Gd below the ruling prices. It is expected a conference of masters and men will beheld to dtecass the matter. Sydney, February 14. Tbe Pastoraliste' Union have declared that the engagement system is not a breach of agreement. The soheme has advantages for both parties, and the union have every intention of adhering to the present system. Further disturbances have occurred at the co-operative mines. Tbe tributers were again maltreated, despite the police escort, and two riugleaders of the rioters arrested. The Labour members drew the attention of the House last night to tho action of the police, alleging that batons were freely used on women and children as well as men. Sir G. Dibbe, in reply, said the Labour members did their utmost to harass the operations of the police while attempting to preserve the peace. The charge was a cowardly one. He declared that law and order should be maintained at all costs. Two sergeants of police, with 20 constables, bave been despatched from Sydney to protect the ooperativa men. February 15. The Government have issued a proclamation forbidding the molestation of miners pursuing their callicg in the disturbed districts. Tbe Stockton miners have accepted the director^ terms. The details of the settle ment are unknown, but it is believed that the men will resume at district rates. February 18. The new constitution for trades unionism which was adopted at the Ballarab Conference in 1891, providing for district councils, provincial councils, and Australian councils, has been adopted by Queensland, and has made considerable progress here. It will become a serious menace to tbe existence of tho Trades and Labour Council, a3 certain onions bave already withdrawn, causiDg a diminution of the Trades Council's funds. The latter body waited on the Shearers' Conference and arked whether it could be formed into a district council for Sydney. The shearers replied that if they formed a distiict council in tbe Northern Colliery district and another in the Southern Colliery district, these, in conjunc'ion with the Shearers' District Council, could form Sydney into a provincial council. February 20. The difficulty in connection with the Stockton mine is as far off settlement as ever. The men declined to accept the oftVr ot the proprietors, and nearly all the vacancies bave been filled by free men, whom the o?/ners decline to dismiss. A sraail fine is b?ing ioflicted on the men charged with causing a disturbance at the Co-operative mine. Tne difficulty with the southern m:ner3 is settled acd work will be resumed immediately, though fewer hands will be taken on till trade improves.