FREE LABOUR.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1762, 29 May 1913, Page 6

FREE LABOUR.

SHIPOWNERS & UNIONISTS.

CONFERENCE MAY LAPSE.

ADDITIONAL PROTESTS. <Bj Telegraph.—Preti Association.] Christchurch, May 2S. The latest developments in connection with tho suggested agreement between the shipping companies and waterside workers on the suuject of employment of free/ labour point to the likelihood of the promised conference, to be attended by representatives of the shipping companies, not being held. It appears that the protests which have been luado in different parts of tho Dominion have had the effect of postponing the consideration of the proposal, if not of leading those directly interested to drop it. Altogether in labour circles ill Christ6hurch complete ignorance of the matter is tho attitude taken up by those approached for information. , . Mr. A. AV. Bennett, of tho New Zealand Shipping Company, informed a reporter to-day that the proposal lor a | conference of shipping representatives in Christchurch did not emanate from the New Zealand Shipping Company, but, on the contrarv, the company did not consider it necessary to hold a conference at

all. At a meeting to-day of the committee of the Canterbury .sfieepowners' Umdn, the iollowiu; resolution was passed: "That this meeting emphatically protests against any agreement being made, sucli as has been suggested, between the shipping companies and the federation ot Labour/' . ' To-day a rumour concerning the negotiations'/for the agreement between the Federation of Labour and one Or two shipping companies was discussed afc meetings of the executive of the Employers' Association, Sheepowners' Union, and Farmers' Union. 'A representative of tho "Press" was informed that the .Sheepowners' Federation, Farmers .Union, and various trade organisations intend to disapprove any such arrangement as has been spoken of. If necessary an appeal will be made to the Government to try to save the situation if possible. A statement was made that some of those opposed to any arrangement to exclude freo labour at tho wharves will considci tho possibility, as a last resort, of new shipping arrangements.

PAINTERS PROTEST. Auckland, May 28. The following resolution was passed by a meeting of Auckland master painters this evening: "That this meeting of Auckland Master Painters cmphnticallv protests against tho proposed agreement between the shipping companies and tho Federation of Labour, excluding freo labour, as reported in the press, and considers that such action would have >i niost destructive effect on the labour conditions throughout the Dominion.

"PREFERENCE NOT A NEW THING."

Dunedin, May 28. A prominent shipping oflicial, question* ed as to the reported confcrence betv-een the Labour Federation and the shipping representatives, said: "It is amusing to see how much pleasure some people in various centres aro getting out of n mare's nest.'.' Ho points out that the matter of giving preference to unionists is not a new thinE, but has been "xerciW in various agreements aftecting the shipping and water-front industries. Purthii", under the present agreements tin; proference clause specifically states that no serious hindrance shall be placed against any workman desirous of joining a union. Tlio present agreement has still six months to operate, and the confenmco next week-is to be lipid for tho purpose of discussing several matters that have caused more or less friction in the past. He can see no attempt at prohibiting free labour.

FARMERS ACTIVE.' Masterton, May 23. At the conclusion of the Farmers' Union Conference, owing to the reported arrangement between the shipping conipti'ii« and the Federation of Labour a. strong limvement was set on foot to obtain General and concerted action among farmers for the purpose of getting their own snipping facilities for wool and other pvo; uuce.' -