The Labour Question.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 45, 1 July 1890, Page 3

The Labour Question.

LONDON, June 23. By the orders of Sir Edward Bradford, who succeeded Mr Monro as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, the delegates appointed by the police to advocate their interests were prevented from meeting at Bow-street, and sentries were placed at every door. One of the Inspectors ordered the station reserves to compel the delegates to quit the footway, but they refused, and were loudly cheered by their comrades. Subsequently the police assembled at Adelphi terrace, W. C., when a petition was presented to Mr H. Matthews, the' Home Secretary, requesting him to meet the delegates at Bow-street on Monday. The men are enraged at the action of the Commissioner, and have resolved on a general strike if any of the delegates are punished. June 24. Seventy thousand coal miners at Southport held a demonstration to-day in favour of the eight hours, system, and protesting against the levying of royalties. SYDNEY, June 25. The Trades and Labour Council have cabled to the London Trades and Labour Council and Dockers’ Union, warning men from accepting work in Sydney in the event of a strike. June 26. At a meeting attended by 700 wharf labourers, arrangements were discussed for the anticipated strike. A suggestion by the Chamber of Commerce to refer the dispute to arbitration was declined, the meeting insisting that the only solution of the difficulty would ;be the concession by owners of the demands made by the men, who will be called out at midnight on June 30, unless the employers give way.

DUNEDIN, June 25. There are now 6000 men in Dunedin who are members either of the Maritime Council or Trades Council. In the Colony there are 40,000 affiliated to labour organisations. AUCKLAND, June 25. The Early Closing movement is making considerable headway. The boiler makers, engineers, brass founders, and plate-ironworkers. have expressed their intention of joining the recently formed Ironworkers’ Association, which now comprises principally blacksmiths and farriers. At a meeting of the Auckland branch of the Society of Carpenters and Joiners it was resolved to form a union. A complaint was made of the low wages in the trade.