WORK AND WAGES

Southland Times, Issue 18855, 22 June 1920, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES

THE MELBOURNE STRIKE. GAS TROUBLE STILL UNSETTLED. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.! (Australian and N.Z. Cauls A&oeiation.> MELBOURNE, June 21. The tramway services completely resumed during the week-end though the gas trouble is still unsettled. Many employers endorse the Chamber of Manmactur-rs' decision to boycott bodies wh cii agreed to the men's demands. '1 his threatens to jeopardise an early settlement. GRAVE POSSIBILITIES. UNION CONFERENCES SUMMONED. THOUSANDS S I ILL UNEMPLOYED. MELBOURNE, June 21. (Received June 21, 9.45 p.m.) The Industrial D.spates’ Committee of the Trades Hall cec.dta to summon a conference of representatives of the Seamen’s Union and all transport workers’ unions to consider the future conduct of the gasworkers’ dispute. There is an extremely grave possibility of an extension of the trouble. It is authoritatively stated that after a Ftat> Conference is held an Inter State Conference will be summoned similar to that convened during the seamen’s dispute last year. Many thousands of workers are still idle. The secretary of the Chamber of Manufacturers stales that wages do not enter into the question now. The employers are lighting for principles, and it is a matter of fighting continual strikes. The Trades Hall now suggests a round table conference between the manufacturers and the unions. AFFAIRS IN NEW ZEALAND. THE HUNTLY MINERS. STOP-WORK MEETINGS. AUCKLAND, June 21. The miners at the Extended mine at Huntly did not work to-day. A meeting to discuss union affairs was held yesterday, but as very few men attended it; was decided to continue the proceedings in working hours, with the result stated. The miners at Rotowaru ceased work at 2 o'clock this afternoon for the same purpose. It is noteworthy, that the fortnight ending on Friday last was the first two-weekly period for several months during which work at the Extended mine had proceeded without some broken time.