WORK AND WAGES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 63, 19 March 1913, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

THE COAST COLLIERS’ STRIKE

EFFORTS AT MEDIATION

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright, (United Press Association.) (Received 9.50 a.m.)

Sydney, March 19. The whole of the south coast mines are now idle.

It is stated that a considerable section do not favour a strike, but there is irritation over police espionage.

•The miners declare that they never heard of police insisting on being present at the masters’ meetings, and they fail to see why they should attend the men’s gatherings. It is hoped that to-day’s aggregate meeting will open the way to settlement, otherwise it is likely there will he metre serious developments. I

A deputation- from the Southern Miners’ Federation saw the Minister (Mr Carmichael) and submitted proposals -that all strikers should return to work on 1 condition that a . . U ■ ' i special tribunal was appointed to decide the matters ;in dispute, both sides binding thdmselvbs to accept the decision. The matters to be discussed will be the dismissal of Russell and two other miners. Mr Carmiand two other miners. Mr Carmichael offered the services of the Industrial Registrar as intermediary. The Registrar confers with the masters to-day. Messrs McGowen and Carmichael both declined the invitation to attend the aggregate meeting/- 1

DARLING WHARF TROUBLE. Sydney, March 18. The Darling wharf labourers’ trouble has been settled. AUCKLAND TRAMWAY TROUBLE (Per Press Association.) Auckland, March 19.

The Tramway employees considered the reports by the representatives who attended three unsuccessful conferences with the company. The latter was not inclined to concede the men’s demands owing to the increased expenditure involved, and had made slight concessions, but these were not sufficient to help the union in arriving at a mutual agreement. The proposal to give fourteen days’ notice to the company was considered, but it was decided to postpone drastic action until a more favourable opportunity. It was strongly hinted that exhibition time would be a good opportunity. It is stated that the new demands would involve the company in an additional expenditure of £20,000 per annum.

THE DOCKYARDMEN S DEMAND.

(Received 11.5 a.m.) London, March 18

The dockyardmen at Portsmouth are asking tlio Treasury to receive a deputation in connection with an increase of wages, otherwise they will convene a conference of all trade unionists in Government employment in dockyard towns.