WORK AND WAGES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 86, 18 April 1913, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

THE SQIITH COAST MINERS. REQUEST A CONFERENCE. [Ey Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] (Received 9.0 a.in.) Sydney, April 18. An aggregate meeting of South Coast miners at Wollongong yesterday passed the following resolution: That in view of the apparently slight differences between the employers and employees regarding the proposals made by Mr Carmichael, we request Mr Carmichael to call a meeting of the two parties, with either himself or the industrial registrar as chairman, to adjust the differences with a view to the resumption of work.

The result of the meeting came as a shock to the townspeople of Wollongong, who believed work would he resumed on Monday. It is considered that a long struggle is now ahead of the men, as it is practically certain that the proprietors will not grant any further concessions beyond those already promised so far. No strike pay has been distributed, and cases of distress have already cropped up.

WELLINGTON WATERSIDERS

Wellington, April 17. A ballot of waterside workers in Wellington favoured, by 756 votes to 58, a proposal to regulate the hours during which engagements should be made, requiring all labour to be engaged before 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so that men unsuccessful in the quest for work may look elsewhere, instead of waiting indefinitely about the wharves.

CHATHAM DOCKYARDS

London, April 16

Night shifts at the Chatham dockyards have been discontinued, owing to the attitude of the Society of Engineers. The dockyard men are much concerned at the decision, because the remuneration for night shift is eight days’ pay for five days’ work. THE HOURS OF LABOUR.

There Is much discussion in the newspapers at the persistent short time, owing to the prosperity of owners. In textile and machine factories it is stated that the machinery works 56 hours and the,hands work 48, Mon-; day morning being almost blank. Leading shipbuilders interviewed state that platers and riveters earn -a. week’s money in four days, and refuse to work longer. Many. swell'paid hands arrive at nine'in the (nothing regardjess of the plant being idle, and penalising the unskilled.(? Many employers are unable to book fresh orders because the men will not do an '"ordinary day’s work.