ALMOST NORMAL CONDITIONS.

Press, Issue 14828, 20 November 1913, Page 8

ALMOST NORMAL CONDITIONS.

NEW SEAMEN'S UNION FORMED

(FItESS ASSOCIATION* TELEGRAM..

AUCKLAND, November 19

The arrangements mapped out by the port authorities for relieving the acuto congestion of shipping, and at tho same time dealing with important current arrivals, are being consistently fulfilled, without hitch or delay, and with the exception of the unusual prossuro of traffic, operations aro being carried out as though normal conditions existed. To-day thero wero no fewer than ten largo steamers occupying berths and being worked, and in addition tho coastal fleet, scows, and other small vessels were in full swing. Over 600 watens.ders were at work today. Tho whole of the available berthage at tho wharves was fully monopolised. Thoso responsible for the work connected with the preparation of the Auckland Exhibition suite that there" is now no doubt that tho opening ceremony will be carried out effectively on Monday week. About 300 men are working for tho executive, and for the stallholders.

At a meeting of the Auckland Sawmillers' Association, which includes the whole of the timber mills in the city and suburbs, it was unanimously decided to re-sumo work on Friday next. At the usual hour, 7.30 a.m., tho whistles will blow in all tho mills and work will be recommenced.

According to information supplied to the president of the Master' Carters' Association, there are now fully 150 vehicles plying on behalf ■of the associated carters. Of tho men employed about 90 are men who went out on strike and have returned to work.

With regard to other trades, an increasing tendency to return to work is reported. Furniture and coach workers to tho number of 137 returned this, morning. The aerated water factories are working actively, but only a limited number of carters are available for delivery of orders.

It is understood that negotiations for peace, which have been proceeding during the last twenty-four hours, have suddenly collapsed. No particulars are available, but it is understood that certain of the' Labour leaders approached the Mayor of Auckland and asked him to act as mediator, and at the same timo suggested what might form the basis of a settlement. Negotiations had only proceeded as far as the initial stage, however, when it is believed that there wero developments which resulted in a complete breakdown and cessation of overtures for peace. An application was made ,by the Auckland -Licensed Victuallers' Association at the Magistrate's Court this afternoon, before Mr C. C. Kettle, S.M., E. C. Cutten, S.M., and F. V. Frazer, S.M., to have the hotels reopened. The case was adjourned till next day to take evidence.

A new union of seamen and firemen of ships trading in and out of "the ports_ of Auckland and Onehunga has been formed in Auckland, and its registration under the Arbitration Act will take effect immediately. One cf ' the chief reasons influencing the formation j of the new organisation was that there was considerable' dissatisfaction at the recent decision of the Seamen's Union that all members should give twentyfour hours' notice of their intention to leave their ships. The reports of the delegates to the Central Strike Committee from tho various / 'loyal" unions are all of a character to indicate their determina-' tion to go through with the strike till the end.

The Striko Committee state that only between 30 and 35 Harbour Board employees have been known to return to work out of a total number of between 300 and 400. and it is stated on behalf of the Exhibition workers that few men other than those employed on "Wonderland" havo returned.