Labour Questions.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 4853, 14 November 1911, Page 3

Labour Questions.

CABLEGRAMS

United Press Association. By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

London, November 13. The coalowners’ representative on the Coal Conciliation Board for Engl v land and North Wales agreed to the principle of the minimum wage, which was referred to local districts to report by December 6. A mass meeting of Lord Ashton’s workmen adopted a resolution expressing appreciation at Lord Ashton’s consideration when trade was depressed. Mr A. Henderson, M.P., declares that the refusal of the railway companies to meet the men and discuss the findings of the Royal Commission is against the spirit, and even the letter of the report. At the asme time ho challenged the men’s assertion that recognition of the unions was not granted, and warned them that if they rejected the report they would estrange public support. , , November 12. A general teamsters’ strike is threatened in New York. The street cleaners are also striking against the collection of garbage at night. Received 1.10 a.m., 14th. London, November 13. The Bishops of Welldon and Birmingham condemn Dean Inges’ pessimism. The former asserts that there is no reason why the church should not be allied with democracy which tends to secure the greatest | happiness for the greatest number. i

Sydney. November 13. The employees of four wool scouring works at Botany have struck, and 800 are out. At two others, where higher wages are paid, the call out was ignored. The trouble has been brewing for some time. A Wages Board was constituted, but so far has had no practical effect. Fremantle, November 13. Thirty seamen and firemen on the steamer Koombana refused work, demanding that the chief steward leave the ship. A meeting of the Seamen’s Union endorsed the strike, but a wire from the Sydney Seamen’s and Firemen’s Union advised the men to resume. They decline to this until the steward is removed. Ninety employees at Hudson’s waggon works have struck for an advance of a shilling a day. Melbourne, November 13. Though the Lyell miners have signed the agreement the engine drivers have not done so, but it is expected they will sign today. During the strike the men have lost £35,000 in wages. Received 9.35 p.m., I.3th. Sydney, November 13. The strike situation is becoming complicated. Some men are prepared to work under the agreement conditions, others only during certain hours. A large number assembled at Howard Smith’s wharf this morning, where it was proposed to start unloading the steamer Mollina. At six o’clock, when a call was made only eight responded, but two hours later the required number started. On being interviewed tho late starters stated that they had held a meeting and decided not to work cargo before eight in tho morning or after five at night unless paid overtime rates. Another strike occurred today, when 200 slaters ceased work and demanded an increase of a shilling. Mebourne, November 13. Mr Hughes, referring to the Dean of St. Paul’s cabled statement, declared he was speaking about matters he did not understand, and was of the type of pampered narrowminded clerics who were getting the church into disrepute. Unionists were fighting for better conditions. Received 9.15 a.m., 14th. Sydney, November 14. Mr Hoskins’ pipe makers are still on strike, refusing to handle Lithgow pig iron because it is made by nonunionists. Mr Hoskins states that he docs not intend to purchase imported iron, while there is plenty of the local article available, but apparently the men prefer the Chinese.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The Federated Seamen’s Union of New Zealand has during the past fortnight been taking a ballot of its members on the question of cancelling registration under the Arbitration Act, and joining the New Zealand Federation of Labour. The ballot has been counted in Dunedin, Wellington, and Auckland. In each centre a substantial majority is stated to have been cast in favour of cancellation of registration as a union. The Dunedin and Wellington figures are not available, nor has the result of the ballot in Lyttelton and other centres been announced, but it is believed that the majority will be generally in favour of affiliation with the Federation of Labour, which means returning to the old position of “right to strike.” The result of the ballot amongst the members of the Auckland branch was: For the cancellation 160, against 98. There are 400 members of the local branch of the union, and the question is being raised as to whether the total votes cast are sufficient to be taken as representative of the opinion of the branch as a whole. Wellington, Last Night. It is understood that final details of settlement in the tramway dispute have been endorsed by the tram employees. They have now to come before the City Council. In the seamen’s dispute it is thought a settlement on all points at issue may be reached by tomorrow night. Wellington, This Day. A provisional agreement was arrived at yesterday in the dispute between the shipping companies and the Federated Seamen’s Union. The wages will be increased 10s monthly, and preference is to be given to unionists. Dunedin, This Day. The Dunedin Seamen’s Union voted by 420 to 5 in favour of the cancellation of registration.