SUGAR-WORKERS' STRIKE

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2031, 18 August 1920, Page 10

SUGAR-WORKERS' STRIKE

CONFERENCE TO BE HELD TO-DAY Press Association. AUCKLAND, August 17. The quiescent stage has been reached in connection with the sugar-workers' dispute, and not until to-morrow is there likely to be any movement that might lead to a better understanding between the respective parties. The Hon. E. P. Lee arrived from Wellington this morning to attend a conference in respect to the dispute. It was originally intended that this should take place to-day, but the appointed time lias been postponed till tomorrow to permit of the necessary data being obtained in the meantime, so that the conference might proceed without unnecessary delay. Further, it is understood that the accountant of the Sugar Company's head office at Sydney does not arrive here until this evening. The men are holding together well. Yesterday five returned to work, but they are amongst their comrades again to-day. A query as to whether in the event of the men receiving an increase in wages the cost of sugar would again be increased has been raised in several quarters. The attitude of the union in the matter, stated one of their officers this morning, was they would not ratify any agreement that would mean an increase in the cost of sugar to the public. Pickets were out again this morning, fmt there was nothing to do.