LABOUR OUTLOOK.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 19, 17 October 1907, Page 7

LABOUR OUTLOOK.

RAILWAYS TROUBLE. STRIKE BALLOT PROCEEDING. SHIPOWNERS' ALLIANCE. BY TELEQBArn—VBES3 ASSOCIATION —COFYItIGHT. London,. Octobor 15. The Railway Companies Association, in roply to Mr. Bell's letter, suggesting a conference to consider the question of recognition of tho Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, stated • that even if a definition c'onferonco was desirable, they wero unablo to take any action in a matter affecting tho relations between each individual company and its staff. Mr. Bell states that ho is frankly disappointed at such a very lame excuse being assigned. Ho expects that the result of tho ballot to ascertain whether the men are prepared to strike will bo known on October 28. Ho declares that tho men throughout the country aro enthusiastic. A conference is being hold her of sixty delegates from tho shipping federations of Continental countries and Great Britain, to discuss a plan for mutual assistance in the event of labour troubles, which aro expected mainly at Continental ports, where Socialists aro specially actico. Mr. T. L. Devitfc, of tho firm of Devitt and Moore, presides over the conferenco. Mr. Bell, secretary of the society, has stated that the carrying of tho strike proposal at the ballot will not prevent yet another effort being mado peacefully to attain the society's aim. • The shipping firm of Messrs. Devitt :ind M'ooro has been identified with sehomes for, tho training of youths as seamen and as officers, tho most conspicuous of its ventures in this direction being the training ship Port Jackson, owned by the firm, and now on her way to Australia.