WORK AND WAGES

Southland Times, Issue 18857, 24 June 1920, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES

THE MELBOURNE STRIKE. SITUATION BECOMING GRAVER. — i (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) MELBOURNE, June 23. The industrial situation is threatening to assume a more serious complexion. The employers are determined to stand by the Chamber of Manufacturers, and volunteers are working the gasworks. It is proposed by the Trades Hall to convene a conference of transport unions, which 'it is believed will consider the possibility of the stoppage of coal supples in Victoria. In shine quarters there is talk of a general strike, in others of a general lock-out. The timber employers have already given a week’s notice to their employees. Mr Justice Higgins has again summoned a compulsory conference of the parties to the gas dispute for Thursday. POSITION MORE HOPEFUL. CONCESSIONS BY PRIVATE EMPLOYERS. GENERAL SETTLEMENT LIKELY. ' MELBOURNE, June 23. (Received June 23, 10.45 p.m.) The strike position is more hopeful. The engine drivers have agreed to settle the dispute with private employers on the same basis as that agreed to by the City Council. AJready 120 employers have agreed to pay the increases, and the men have resumed work at these establishments. The transport workers’ conference met again and adjourned till Friday, as -it is_ stated that there is a likelihood of a settlement being effected at the compulsory conference of employers and employees convened by Mr Justice Higgins for Thursday. WIRELESS OPERATORS' STRIKE SYMPATHETIC STOPPAGES. MUCH SHIPPING HELD UP. LONDON, June 22. (Received June 23, 11.30 p.m.) The wireless operators’ strike is holding up thirty liners at Liverpool owing to the firemen’s, stewards’ and sailors’ sympathetic strike. It is expected that sixty vessels will be held up by the end of the week. Seven miles of docks at Liverpool are already at a standstill. NEW SOUTH WALES MINES. ENGINE DRIVERS’ DEMANDS. SY 7 DNEY r , June 23. ’ The engine-drivers and firemen arc claiming a six-hour day and £8 8s per week from the coal-owners. The latter have declined to entertain the claim, as the mines are under the control of the Commonwealth Government. JAPANESE IMMIGRATION ALARM IN CALIFORNIA. 'REPRESENTATIONS TO WASHINGTON. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) SAN FRANCISCO, June 22. Governor Stephens, of California, has addressed a letter to Mr Colby, Secretary of State, reading as follows:—-“ While California does not harbour any animosity to | the Japanese people, the State does not wish [ Japanese to settle within its border. The I Japanese population is now 87,279 in CaliI fornia, which views with alarm the rapid growth of the Japanese population, and their control of the land and forests in the ! not distant future. This would be the I gravest menace, and a serious conflict will ; result if this development is not immedi- | ately and effectively stopped.” i Governor Stephens urge? that immediate ! negotiations should be begun with Japan !in order to make existing immigration | agreements as rigorous as possible. | STATE LAND LAWS. INFORMAL PROTEST BY’ JAPAN. WASHINGTON, June 22. Japan has lodged an informal proles' with the State Department against the pro j posed Californian legislation absolutely prohibiting the ownership or lease of land by Japanese. Diplomatic and official circles fear complications should the law pass.