LABOUR MATTERS

Southland Times, Issue 17304, 28 March 1913, Page 6

LABOUR MATTERS

MANCHESTER LABOUR CONFERENCE. (By Telegraph.—Pres* Association.—Copyright). LONDON, March 26. The Labour Conference at Manchester unanimously recommended proportional representation. Strong speeches were made complaining of the subserviency of Labour members of the House of Commons to political parties. resolution urging them to vote on the merits of a question, though ' the Government be endangered, was negatived at Mr Snowden’s instance. JUBILANT FERRYMEN. SYDNEY. March 27. The secretary of the Ferrymen’s Union claims that the result of the strike is the finest victory obtained in maritime circles for twenty years. It breaks down the sixty-hour system, which has long been a bone of contention. The employees will also derive various other advantages. Free labour has to go. AUSTRALIAN LABOUR TROUBLES. SYDNEY, March 27. Received March 28. 1 a.m. The threatened renewal of the gasmen’s trouble has been averted. The southern coal strike position is unchanged. Vessels are unable to obtain loading, and are proceeding to Newcastle for coal. TIMBER WORKERS’ CONFERENCE. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND. March 27. The Timber Workers’ Conference passed resolutions affirming the desirability of affiliated Unions consulting the Federation Executive before taking individual action: that the Workers’ Compensation Act be amended to provide payment of half wages during incapacity by accident, and £1 allowance for medical expenses. THE SLAUGHTERMEN’S STRIKE. WELLINGTON. March 27. Five members of the Wellington Slaughtermen’s Union now on strike started work at the Gear Companies works this morning, and others have secured hooks and will go on killing tomorrow. AH the old hands offering cannot he accommodated, as the Company Intends to stick to those who came to its assistance after the strike began. Not more than one-third of ttiose who went out will he able to secure their old positions. HOUSEWIVES’ UNION. The Invercargill Housewives’ Union met yesterday, there being a good attendance. and the President (Mrs D. Scott) occupied the chair. A letter was received from Timaru District Labour Council, asking information regarding the working of the Union, as it was intended to form a branch in that ceatre.—The Secretary was instructed" to supply. Miss Lang forwarded her resignation as Treasurer, and Miss L. Bell was appointed to till the position. Arrangements were made regarding purchasing household linen at wholesale prices, also for its distribution, as petorders of members, on its arrival. it was decided actively to support the Labour candidates at the forthcoming I Municipal elections, and the following Committee was appointed to arrange details; —Mesdames John Aitken (Convener), T. O’Byme, W. Pasley, T. 11. Lang. McConnechy, D. Scott, Molr. and M. .1. Fordo, and Misses Lang and Hodgkinson. .