LABOUR TROUBLES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10402, 16 July 1912, Page 6

LABOUR TROUBLES.

AUCKLAND DBIVEB’ii UNION. Per Press Association. Auckland, July 14. A most unusual position has arisen in connection with the Auckland Driver’s Union and the levy to assist Waihi strikers. Recently a special meeting of the' Union was held, and a deputation from the Waihi Miner’s Union was received. The deputation put forth arguments in favour of a levy being made towards the Waihi strike, and , two propositions were then placed before the meeting, one that a levy of 2s per week should he made, and another that instead of a levy being made the sura of £6O should be paid outright to the Waihi Union strike fund. The idea of a levy met with small support, and eventually the majority of the members at the meeting decided in favour of doneeing the sum of £6O Later, complications arose, and the committee of the Drivers’ Union decided by sis votes to four to veto the decision of the Union, patting forth as the repson that it was not definitely known whether the members could legally vote £6O out of the funds. Legal advice has since been obtained by the committee, and they find that the members were quitewithin their legal righto in voting a ri&bip sum of £6O. The position now a special meeting of the Hiion, will be held this week to Kally decide as to what assistance, ■ any, they will give to the Waihi Hrlkers. i OTAGO GOAL TROUBLE. I Kaitangata, July 14. I One hnndred and tbirty-fonr mem■hers of the Otago Coal Miners’ iUnion—affiliated with the Federation of Labour—met privately on Saturday evening to consider the [action of the Union In view ol the decision of the directors of the New Zealand Goal and Oil Company not to recognise It. Messrs Semple and Howard, of the Executive of the Federation, were present, and addressed the men. “Drastic action” had been threatened if recognition was not extended, but the meeting showed no disposition to take this coarse. Mr Semple said there was no use declaring a strike unless the men were absolutely solid. The meeting finally passed a resolution inviting the rival Arbitration Union to a trial of strength by a secret ballot, registers of each Union to be impounded, and only members allowed to vote. This course is almost certain to he refused by the Arbitrationiets. In the past week they gained 40 members, and expect more. Such a vote would also exclude independent members whose sentiments, if anything, are against the Federation and trouble. Saturday’s meeting apparently accomplished nothing beyond revealing the set of the tide locally against “drastic action.” Conferences are proceeding between the management and the Arbitration Unions on the reference submitted with the view to an agreement being arrived it.