AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2802, 28 June 1890, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

(BY ELECTMC IELEGIIAPH.— COPYRIGHT.) Sydkby, June 24. At the conference between the delegates of tho Marine Officers' Association of Victoria and New South Wales with the Shipowners' Association, the proceedings were of the most friendly character. The proposals of the officers were submitted as suggestions rather than demands, and wont in the direction of an increase of pay, the number of officers on intercolonial steamers, and the definition of working hours and duties of officers when at sea and in port. The shipowners suggested certain modi ficotions, which have uot been made public, but it is stated that the delegates promised to give them fall and careful consideration, and intimated that they would forward their reply by letter. The Trades and Labour Council have cabled to the London Trades and Labour Council and the Dockers' Union warning the men from accepting work in Sydney in the event of a strike. June 26. At a meeting attended by seven. hundred wharf labourers, arrangements were discussed for the anticipated strike. A suggestion by the Chamber of Commerce to refer the dispute to arbitration was declined, the meeting insisting that the only solution of the difficulty would be the concession by the owners of the demands made. The men will be called out at midnight on June 30 unless the employers give way. The Daily Telegraph, in commenting on the wharf labourers' difficulty, describes their position as wretchedly indefensible, and says no doubt they are aware of thia themselves ; but, having become so accustomed in tho past to the employers first making a show of resistance and then finally yielding to the demands, they have been tempted to go to abaurd extremes. It concludes by stating that the men have been startled to find that the employers have a semblance of backbone. Later. It is understood that the wharf labourers and employers will hold another conference to-morrow, when probably a basis of arbitration will be arranged. The owners held a meeting today and the labourers to-night, and there is just a hope that matters may be amicably arranged. June 27. A bill has been introduced into the New South Wales Parliament, to enable Chaffy Bros, to establish irrigation works on the Nepean. The Commission which was sent to the

New Hebrides by the Presbyterian Church, reports that missions are flourishing, and three missionaries have been established on Espiritu Santo. Operations of the French Company are becoming more extensive, but France-ville as a commune, has practically broken up. Arrived : Zealandia, from Auckland. Adelaide, June 27. The South Australian Assembly is debating the federal resolution. Thursday Island, June 27. The Elsie from Aroho, in New Guinea, reports that pearlshell is plentiful there, but that a Dutch frigate patrols the place, and refuses to allow British vessels to work. •