WORK AND WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 48, 15 July 1912, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

THE BOOT TRADE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Saturday. In connection with the agreement between the, New Zealand ■.Federation" of Boot Trade Industrial Associations of Workers and the New Zealand Federation of Boot Manufacturers, John Hutchison, secretary of the Wellington Boot Trade Union, points out that be--yond the protest which it was suggested in a Press Association •message from Auckland a group of manufacturers was likely to make against ratification of the agreement it was the intention, when the award operated, to make numerous applications for permits to employ wi-der-rate workers. If this is so the motive oifprotest was to influence factory inspectors to grant such permits, or, on the other hand, the protest was probably designed to prepare for a further increase in the price of boots. "I can say this," Mr. Hutchison continued, "that at all conferences it was understood between both parties that the increase of Is 2d an hour, which the employers proposed and we accepted, could be granted without increasing the retail price of footwear." He added that the court could not but ratify the agreement. »

THE ENGINE DRIVERS' UNION. Wellington, Last Night. Fresh demands of the Engine Drivers' Union 'have been made. The hours and wages are much about the same as under the old award, but with the difference that time spent in getting up steam has to be paid for. The hours are fixed at 48 as formerly, but instead of 10s a day for first-class and 9s for second-class men, there is asked Is 3d per hour and Is iy a d per hour respectively. > Locomotive and traction drivers are included in the new demands, the pay bein? Is 3d per hour. THE KAITANGATA STRIKE. Kaitangata, Last Night. One hundred and forty-three members of the Otago Coal •* Miners' Union (affiliated to the Federation of Labor) privately on Saturday evening to consider the action of the union, in view of the decision of the directors of the New Zealand Coal 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 course. Mr. Semple said that it was no use declaring a strike unless the men were absolutely solid. The meeting finally passed a resolution inviting the rival union to a trial of strength by secret ballot, the registers of each union to be impounded and only members to be allowed to vote. This course is almost certain to be refused by the Arbitrationists. In the past week they gained, fortv members, and expect more. Such a vote would also exclude independent members, whose sentiments are, if anything, against the federation.' Saturday's meeting apparently accomplishes nothing beyond revealing the set of the tide locally against "drastic action." A conference is proceeding between the management and the Arbitration Union on the reference submitted, with a viewto an agreement being arrived at.