INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 24, 25 May 1912, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

TRANSPORT STPJK E SPREA 1)1 NG By Electric Telegraph.--Copyright.) (UiuUmJ Press Association.) London, May 24. The transport workers’ executive announce that the strike is, in consequence of the boycotting of unionists by employers deliberately breaking agreements, and a generally vexat ous interference with workmen. Mr. Gosling states that 150,000 men arc affected, the objects of tlie strike are the recognition of the Federation ticket, and a uniform rate of pay equal to the highest wage no r paid. He added that it was going to be a fight to a finish, and would not be over in a week or two.

Mr. Ben Tdlett states that, if_ necessary, the fight will not be confined to London.

Other leaders claim a maximum working day of seven to_ Jive o’clock, and a minimum wage of 7s Gd. The Port of London authorities have informed the men that they are unable to employ only unionists. One hundred and fifty ships, aggregating a million tons, are iiekl up, including the Waiwera, with 8001) carcases of meat stdi aboard. Three hundren Covent Garden porters are striking for a porters’ schedule of wages. THE DOCK STRIKE. London, May 24. It is feared that the strike will result in serious damage to the Australian fruit shipment by the steamer Maloja, which has been placed in the dry dock. Five Jmndrvd cases of apples are aboard. Only /00Q cases ot die Demosthenes’ butter have been discharged. The wharf labourers locked out refused to discharge apples which were carted by non-unionists, whereupon clerks and salesmen unloaded them, mounted police patrolling Tooley Street. WAIHI AND TOM MANX. Wellington, May 24. The Federation of Labour Conference was continued to-day. Mr. P. C. Webb presided. The official report of the proceedings is as under:— It was decided to receive a deputation from tiie United Labour Party at 11 o’clock on Saturday morning, and to hear a deputation from the New Zealand Socialist Party at 2 o’clock that afternoon. The board of directors of the “Maoriland Worker” presented a report and audited balancesheet, which were adopted. Both were considered eminently satisfactory. In connection with the troubles at \\uihi and Ileefton, the following resolution was carried: “That this conference of delegates assembled sends fraternal greetings to Waihi and Reefton comrades, and congratulates them upon their exhibition of class solidarity, and assures them of ths_ loyalty of the organisation to them in their time of trial with opposing forces, and urges upon them to stand firm whilst the question is being dealt with by tho organisation.” The following resolution was carried enthusiastically: “That tins conference of the New Zealand Federation of Labour expresses its disapSroval of the action of the British overnment in gaoling Tom Mann for rightly calling upon British soldiers to” 3 refrain from firing upon British workmen. To Tom Mann we extend our heartiest congratulations for his continued fearless advocacy of revolutionary working-class princ.ples. Tlie sentiments expressed by _ Tom Mann in the article leading to his arrest meet with our entire approval.” The conference will resume to-mor-row morning. THE REEFTON STRIKE. Reef ton, May 21. There is nothing new re the Labour trouble. Both sides are maiking time, and the only work being done is the sinking of a shaft at the Energetic mine. A Greymouth Labour inspector is visiting tlie place to-day, enquiring into the trouble. A meeting of the miners endorsed the action of the local executive, otherwise there is nothing to report. PROSPECTIVE COAL SHORTAGE. Palmerston, May 24. Advices have been received by the distributors for tlie coal companies that for the present persons having contracts for regular supplies must have their demands fulfilled before other orders are executed. The instructions apply also to the Gas Company. This action is taken, it is said, owing to the possibility of the shortage of miners on the West Coast, and a sympathetic strike 'with tho Waihi strikers. RELIEF WORKS. Reofton, May 25. There are no further developments. Tlie Minister for Mines lias wired to tho County Council that Cabinet will consider relief works. Mr. Fagan, secretary of the Miners’ Union, is still in Wellington. A SERIOUS POSITION. (Received 25, 10.15 a.m.) London, May 24. Ten thousand carmen are out. An additional thirty thousand are expected to cease. Already a hundred thousand men are idle in London. Among the vessels held np are five laden with 400,000 carcases. Tlie strike at Covent Garden chiefly affects foreign fruit. The London Suburban Traders’ Federation and West Retailers’ Association have appealed to the Government for adequate protection of vans and vehicles to ensure distribution of goods and foodstuffs. It is stated that the Dockers’ 1 nion at Southampton refuse to unload any vessel diverted from London.

At the inquiry the strikers’ grievances were stated and it was added that the strikers wore prepared to do their best in protecting public health and caring for infirm children. DISMISSING A, NON-UNIONIST. (Received 25, 10.15 a.m.) Melbourne, May 25. Damages £1 10s 9d and loss of wages were granted against the secretary of the Port Phillip Stevedores’ Association for procuring a non-union-ists ’dismissal.