WORK AND WAGES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9193, 24 March 1908, Page 1

WORK AND WAGES.

THE SHIPPING STRIKE. NO SETTLEMENT. United -'res- Association— By Elsctrie Telegraph— Copyright. SYDNEY, March 23. The conference of the coastal steamship companies with the Wharf Labourers' Union Avas resumed this afternoon. Tho representatives of the shipping companies presented final terms under which they were prepared to settle the strike. These were subsequently considered and refused by the representatives of the men. The conference adjourned until to-morrow. / Mr Hughes states that the position is critical, but not hopeless. The Employers' Federation at a meeting discussed the course of action merchants and traders should take in connection with the strike, and resolved that the time had arrived to assert the right of the employer to utilise non-union labour, especially at a v time Avhen unionists refused to work at arbitration award wages. It was further decided to give full support to the coastal companies in maintaining these principles. Admiration was expressed for the courage, patience and consideration for the public interest exhibited by the representatives of the coastal companies in connection with the present dispute.