Labour Questions.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 4852, 13 November 1911, Page 2

Labour Questions.

Received 5.5 p.m., 12th. London, November 11. Owing to Socialist attacks Lord Ashton, employing thousands in linoleum manufacture, at Lancaster, has notified the employees that all not satisfied must leave, as he would rather close the works permanently than advance wages at present. If the works are closed owing to a railway and coal strike no wages will be paid, and only loyal men will be kept on when trade is bad. He is determined to end the present intolerable situation regardless of cost. Lord Ashton is regarded as a model employer and contributes enormous sums to local benefactions. Leading members of the Labour party regret that Lord Ashton has been described as their robber. Mr Clyns states that Lord Ashton’s sympathy with Trade Unionists is well known. Rev. Inge, Dean of St. Paul’s, in an address to the Women’s Diocesan Association, declared democracy as the silliest of fetishes. The transfer of industrial wealth to Eastern Asia would prove the certain sequel to the European labour movement. A worse fate would probably befall Australia, which is within easy reach of far more efficient yellow industrials. He was unable to join the chorus advocating the church’s co-operation with the labour movement. Socialism might suit a country like New Zealand until the British fleet ceased to safegard it, then the yellow men would make short work of the pampered trade unions.

Sydney, November 11. The trouble over the overtime question interfered with the appointment of the board directed by Mr Carmichael last week to deal with the wharf labourers’ strike. Mr Carmichael states that he has got the parties so far in agreement that they are willing to submit certain matters in dispute to a tribunal. The appointment of a board was therefore ordered, and it will probably be constituted by Monday. A meeting of shipowners decided {o ignore the men’s action of knocking off at 5 o’clock. The meeting was determined to stand by the agreement, pending the court’s inquiry. Meantime if the men ran tercaicitrant, no overtime work will be done. Owing to the strike large quantities of wheat, tea and dried fruits, intended for Queensland ports, where the shortage is beginning to be keenly felt, are blocked. The lumpers declined to handle a quantity of coal from the Scottish co-operative collieries for the steamer Uganda, because it was nonunionist. To prevent further trouble, the agents removed the coal from the wharf. Melbourne, November 11. The Mount Lye.ll conference adopted a provisional agreement, providing for a conference with the men a month after the resumption of work. It is hoped that the agreement will be signed today, and the strike declared off. , Sydney, November 11. The Steamship Owners’ and Wharf Labourers’ Unions have nominated representatives for the proposed board. On behalf of the former counsel argued that no genuine dispute existed. A section of the waterside workers got cut of hand and wanted to override not only the employers but their own officials. He suggested, if the matter were allowed to come to a vole, the trouble might be overcome. Received 12.15 a.m., 13th. Sydney, November 12. Strike matters are quiet. The Adelaide Company’s gates were opened yesterday, but no workers appeared. It is understood the men are boycotting the company out of resentment for closing the gates on the previous day. At all the other wharves the men worked overtime on Saturday afternoon. Melbourne, November 12. The resumed Lyell Conference resulted in signing the agreement previously cabled, and the strike has been declared off. The men will sign on on Monday, and resume work on Thursday. The dismissed man White tights his own case in the courts.