THE WAIHI STRIKE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10535, 9 August 1912, Page 3

THE WAIHI STRIKE.

ATTITUDE OF THE SYDNEY LABOUR COUNCIL. (Received August 9, 10 a.m.) SYDNEY, August 10. Tho Labour Council, after a long discussion, adopted by 61 votes to 58 the executive committee's recommendation that no support should be given to the Waihi strikers, as the dispute was not with tho employers but against the rights of tho engine-drivers and firemen.

[Per Press Association.] WAIHI, August 9. At a mass meeting of strikers, Mr E. J. Howard, of the Labour Federation Executive, and Sir J. O'Brien, Auckland, gave addresses. Mr Howard urged the men to liold out to the end of the year. If they did so, the Federation of Labour would put up one of the biggest fights in the history of New Zealand. When the Unions were not in sympathy with the organisation he did not advocate retaining them. _ Jf they were not satisfied, such Unions could go to h—l. The speaker hoped the Executive would be able to reduce the levy to o per cent, thus reducing tlio burden of the contributing Unions. Mr O'Brien dealt with the tactics of the Industrial Workers of the World, which in a measure he supported. A PROTEST. [Pet. Press Association.] GISBORNE, August 9. At a meeting of the Poverty Bay General Labourers' Union the following resolution was passed:—" That thia Union vigorously protests against the Government's proposal . to construct public works by the contract system and that strong representations be made, with a view to maintaining the present systems of co-operative and day labour." It was further decided to for-, ward copies of this resolution to the Ministers of Labour and Public Works and also to all labour unions in the dominion, with a view to the formation of a strong public opinion on this matGISBORNE SECESSION. The Poverty Bay General Labourers' Union lias decided to secede from the East Coast Trades and Labour Council. HOTEL EMPLOYEES. [Per Psms Association.] DUNEDIN, August 9. The hotel employees' conference concluded this morning. Auckland's remit, urging the extension of awards iij the country districts, was adopted, and the Conference resolved to recommend affiliated Unions to take immediate steps in the direction of applying for an award in the Otago and Wellington country districts. It was resolved to ask for the co-operation of the Cliristchurch Union, which was not affiliated. Wellington was piade the executivo for the incoming term, and tho next conference will be held there. The delegates will wait on the Premier at Wellington on Monday.