ENGLISH NEWS.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13737, 27 March 1915, Page 5

ENGLISH NEWS.

WORK ON WAR CONTRACTS

GOVERNMENT'S AGREEMENT WITH THE ENGINEERS.

STRAIN ON OPERATIVES

LIVERPOOL DOCKERS CAUSING TROUBLE.

WARNING FROM THE EXECUTIVE

AUSTRALASIAN AID FOR BELGIUM.

London, March 25

Official —Representatives of the Treasury and the Amalgamated Society of Engineers adopted an agreement securing limitation of profits to firms engaged on war purposes, and benefits arising from the relaxation cf trade union restrictions to accrue to the State. The relaxation is to be confined to the period of the war.

The Government is prepared, on the workmen's demand, to certify whether work is required for war purposes, and also to use its influence after the war to secure the restoration to labour of the conditions existing prior to the war.

The committee of the General Federation, of Trade Unions is petitioning the Government to stop Sunday labour wherever possible, owing to breakdowns due to overstrain, particularly amongst girls. The resolution adds that the men must put aside industrial disputes.

The executive of the National Union of Dock Labourers has issued a manifesto on the refusal of the minority of Liverpool dock labourers to work weekends; adding that congestion actually prevented the distribution of munitions to troops in the trenches during the past week. Unless the disaffected members fall into line the majority of the body outside the union will adopt drastic measures to the union's detriment. | It is estimated that over 200,000 British veterans have re-enlisted. The Belgian Relief Commission is grateful for Australasian help, which will enable it to purchase thousands of tons of food. Nevertheless, destitution is increasing, and it is expected that two and a-half millions of people will be entirely dependent on charity before August, and that the remaining four and a-half millions will be on reduced rations: Freights to New Zealand have been raised to—loose weight 40s; packed 50s; rough measurement 655. Fine measurement is unchanged, 83s 6d. Freights to New Zealand and Sydney have been advanced as follows:—Loose weight, 40s; packed, 50s; rough measurement, 655; fine, 80s; to Adelaide, 2s 6d additional.'

All sub-claasifications have been abolished both to Australia and New Zealand, and there will be only one rate in each class.