TRADES AND LABOUR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2368, 20 July 1899, Page 34

TRADES AND LABOUR.

MINERS' WAGES.

AUCKLAND, July 10.

An important meeting of the Waihi branch of the Thames Miners' Union was held, when there was a crowded attendance. The object of the meeting was to discuss the advisability of referring the dispute between the Silverton mine and the union to the Conciliation Board. The chairman of the Waihi branch explained the position of affairs. A motion was unanimously carried that the Conciliation Board be asked to sit at Waihi. A long, and at times heated, discussion took place over the question of miners' wages in various mines, and various resolutions were put and carried. CHRISTCHURCH BAKERS' DISPUTE.

CHRISTCHURCH, July 17. The Conciliation Board met this morning to inquire into the dispute between about 40 master bakers and the ' Canterbury Bakers and Pastrycooks' Union, which asked for a renewal of the award just expired. Several employers stated that the wages' of £3 a week for foremen and £2 10s for seconds was too high. The old recommendations were endorsed, with the following amendments : — Eight hours and a-half to be a day's work, exclusive of half an hour for breakfast. Time allowed on Thursdays to be made good if desired during such week. Bakers three miles from Christchurch to be allowed to start at 3 a.m., subject to the consent of their union, and their not competing in the city limits. All hands to receive dry pay within the city and borough limits. The recommendations remain in force until June 30, 1901.

WELLINGTON UNEMPLOYED

WELLINGTON, July 17. At a meeting yesterday, attended by a number of the unemployed and several members of Parliament, resolutions were passed asking the Government to put £10,000 on the Estimates to develop the Levin State Farm ; to reduce .the customs duties on the necessaries of life, and to increase the land tax in order to make up the deficit ; to establish workmen's settlements near the large towns, . also State farms for agricultural training ; and to provide facilities for co-operative farming.