LABOUR, ETC.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2762, 12 January 1895, Page 1

LABOUR, ETC.

London, Jau. 9. The Miners’ Federation Conference at Birmingham condemned the proposed compulsory board of arbitration as inimical to the trades unions. St. John’s, Jan. 8. Great distress prevails, and owing to the threatening attitude of the mob, who demand bread, bluejackets from H.M.S. Tourmaline were landed to preserve order. The unemployed stoned the Parliament Houses, smashed in the doors, and afterwards looted two stores. The Premier of Newfoundland assured the unemployed that measures for their relief would be undertaken. The crew of the British warship restored order. Jan. 9. Rioting continues among those who are almost starving, and there is great clamouring for bread. The crowd fought the police fiercely when they interfered to stop the rioting. The Premier spoke from the steps of Parliament House, and succeeded in calming the agitation by promising work within three days. The mob waved flags inscribed “ Give us food.” Sydney, January 9. The Premier has received a letter from the manager of the Hetton colliery, and another from the secretary of the Newcastle miners, in response to the communication he addressed to them last week. The manager has promised, to call a special meeting of directors of the company, and the secretary has intimated that the Premier’s suggestion for statu quo for two mouths meets with the approval of the miners. The Premier is sanguine that the conference which is to take place to-day will lead to a settlement of the points in ditpute. A gentleman interested in the Hetton colliery says that as the miners have conceded three important points in the dispute, it is almost certain that the quarrel will be adjusted. The Premier’s interference is not favourably regarded in all

quarters. Jau. 10. A deputation of Hetton miners discussed proposals with the mauangement, and it is expected that a decision will be announced to-night. Seventeen miners and the manager of a colliery at Lithgow were fined os each and coats, or two hours in the stocks, for working in the Zigzag mine on Sunday. The men pleaded that they had to obey orders, and the manager pleaded necessity beeause they were behindhand with order*. The Bench afterwards remitted the costs, and time was given to pay the fines. Melbourne, January 10. The Argus says that the simmering condition of allairs in Newcastle is explained by a statement that there are really 2000 too many miners on the field, and that there is work for just half the number of men who want it. It considers that while the disproportion continues there is no hope of ameliorating the position, Resources were being exploited in Japan and South America, and the market in the East and <m the Pacific Coast of America which previously was almost monopolised by Newcastle is now lost, and it stands to reason that these markets could only be regained by a great ellbrt, and by reducing the price of coal so as to cut under rivals. This, the Arjr*’says, is a process going o.u to-day some extent, and Newcastle coal having lost its value, the be borne by the iqiueis, who ai" - , j„ excess of requirements, as wuii ua Py t ( ie c ,,Uu3iy companies.

The regulations relating to the Conciliation Act having been gaz tted, societies either of employers or employe I desirous of coming under the Act, will have to at oneo take steps to eilect registration. This must be done and the board elected within thirty days from thj time of gazetting.