AN EXPLICIT REPLY.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14841, 5 December 1913, Page 8

AN EXPLICIT REPLY.

WELLINGTON DEFENCE COMMITTEE AND MR HUGHES. (PRESS ASSOCIATIOK TE__-___t.> WELLINGTON, December 4. The following cable message was despatched by the Wellington Employers' Defence Committee to Mr W. 31. Hughes. M.P., Sydney:— •The employers throughout the Dominion thank you for your lengthy and explicit cablegram of the 2nd inst., which has had their careful consideration. This Committee desires now to make it, quite clear to you that in cabling you our statement of the position it was not our intention to invoke your assistance or to provoke trouble on your side. We were aware, of courso, that delegates from tho Federation of Labour were with you, and we desired to prevent any misconception, and to meet any misrepresentations by placing belore you a clear statement of the position, a statement which we have no hesitation in saying we are prepared to substantiate. The employers of the Dominion have decided that they cannot, and will not, retire from tho position that lias been forced upon them owing to the refusal of the Federation oi Labour to recognise the binding forco of agreements. The employers repeat that they cannot in any way recognise the Federation or any union subject to its control. They havo solemnly pledged themselves to stand by the Arbitration unions, and cannot recede from that underfcydng. There is consequently notlutifPleit for arbitration, as the employers know of no grievances that are standing in tho w;ay of the strikers joining the new unions, but if there arc any such grievances they should bo formulated and presented to the employers for consideration. If such grievances cannot be removed by any other means, this Committee will consult with the other committees as to whether they should be submitted to arbitration. The employers submit that as tho work of the principal ports of the Dominion is now being effectively carried on by the members of the new unions in ample numbers, there is, therefore, notwithstanding your assertion to the contrary, no present waterside disputo in existence, and consequently they fail to see any reason why tho Australian workers should involve themselves in the trouble."