INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 8, 7 May 1912, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

THE MINIMUM WAGE. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. United Press Association. London, May 5. The Lancashire and Cheshire Mint crs' Federation lias decided not to adhere to the demand for a minimum wage. A LABOUR DAY PROCESSION. Brisbane, May 6. The eight-hour procession was a record display. The Tramway Union carried a banner inscribed, "Legalised to wear a badge," with a figure of Justice with the bandage removed from her eyes. A MUSICIANS' UNION. Wellington, May 6. An organisation banded under the general title of the Wellington Performing Musicians' Industrial Union of Workers has cited a number of employers of musicians as parties to a dispute, to be heard by the Conciliation Council on May loth. The parties cited include various refreshment rooms, dancing assemblies and picture companies. Some of the demands are: Rehearsals, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., ss; after 6 p.m., 10s; rehearsals, public holidays, 13s; four-weekly engagements, six nights, £4; casual performers, 21s; for permanent picture shows, vaudiville and circuses, £3 for six nights, with one matinee and two rehearsals; continuous shows, £3 for six consecutive- performances - of three consecutive hours. THE GREEN ISLAND STRIKE. Dunedin, May 6. The position with regard to the dispute at Christie's mine, Green Island, has not improved. The men have arranged to get their tools from the mine to-morrow morning, and the matter in dispute has been referred by them to the Federation of Labour. Mr Webb (president of the Federation) is expected to arrive by the first express from the North to-morrow. TEACHERS' DEMANDS. Timaru May 4. The meeting of the Teachers' Institute to-day was attended by most of the principal head-teachers, who dealt vigorously with certain matters which wero characterised as gross injustices to the profession. Some of these wore duo to the multiplication of smlall schools, which increased the total cost ,of education while ensuring only small salaries, inefficient teaching, and unattractive conditions for both teachers and pupils. The remedy for this evil was centralisation by the conveyance of the children to larger schools. This was stated to have proved a success in Canada and Victoria. Three hundred small schools were stated to have been closed in the latter State. , The result should Be a reduction in the annual cost, with better salaries, a more attractive profession, and a better return for the money expended. It was said to be a disgrace, to the country that educated teachers should be asked to go into the backbloeks for £9O a year. A motion was passed that the minimum for a sole teacher should be £l5O. It was decided to start an active crusade for betterment by direct appeals to the Ministers and members of Parliament. The executive was /requested to arrange to meet the Prime Minister in Timaru next Saturday, and to ask the local members of both Houses to meet them. The institute will also ask the Minister for Education, when he comes south, to break his journey at Timaru to hear them, and to ask delegates to the Wellington conference on the Local Government Bill, when selected, to meet them.