THE ENGINEERS' DISPUTE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2288, 6 January 1898, Page 17

THE ENGINEERS' DISPUTE.

London, December 30.

In Ihe ballot of the Society of Engineers 55,000 voted against accepting the employers' proposals, and 1041 in favour of them. There were 42,065 against the acceptance of 51 hours per week, and 8515 in favour of the suggested compromise.

Owicg to the continuance of the strike, the Russian Government have ordered 200 engines for the new trans-Siberian railway to be built by American firms.

The Labour Federation Have informed the workmen that the truce entered into between the employers and unions pending the result of the Engineers' Conference has ended.

Colonel Dyer, president of the Employers' Federation, invites the men to withdraw their demands with regard to the hours of work, and return to work subject to the last conferencs terms, to which the federation intend to adhere.

January 1.

The president of the Employers' Federation has invited the workmen to withdraw their demands in regard to hours and to return to work on the term 3 cf the last conference. Colonel Dwyer gays that the employers intend to adhere to those terms.

The officials of the Employers" Federation have private information showing that the Continental employers are contributing largely to the engineers' strike fund.

The Fairfißld Shipbuilding and Engineering Company (late John Elder sad Co , of Glasgow) have withdrawn the lock-out notices which had been issued to 25 per cent, of their ergmeers and unionist workmen.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have advised the clergy to use their influence both with employers and employed to act forbeariogly and with a spirit of brotherhood in connection with the existing labour troubles. Both archbishops suggest offering special prayers in the churches.

A conference representing a million unionists was held here. Resolutions were passed applauding the engineers' action in connection with the strike, and recommending a weekly levy of at least 33. A vote of thanks was passed to the Continental, American, and colonial workmen for their gsneroas support, and urging that increased support be given. The conference approved of- the federation of all trade organisations, and advised by resolution that legislative action be token against federated capital.

Foremen of engineering firms on the Clyde have been notified that they must lesiga or withdraw from the Engineers' Union.