WORK AND WAGES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 45, 23 October 1913, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

THE HUNTLY COAL STRIKE. iPee Pkess Association.] Huntly, October 23. Matters are still quiet in connection with the strike. A number of the younger men left town yesterday and to-day. The Union officials, in a statement, say that it is ridiculous for the company to state that they discharged the men because they were lessening the number of their employees, as more men were employed at the coal on the last day the miners worked than at any time previous. While IG unionists received notice, 14 new miners were put on, together with 12 truckers to work coal, making 2G new men in tiie mines. The unionists complain that the number of discharged men had invested their lifp savings in sections of land from the company, built homes, and are now compelled to sacrifice these at the bidding of a few men. Over £3OOO would bo paid out by the company to-morrow as a fortnights pay is due. WELLINGTON WATERSIDERS. Wellington, October 23., The strike along the waterfront continues. A meeting of strikers , was held early this morning, and was addressed by Mr Curtice (president) and Mr Farland (secretary of the Union), and other speakers, who urged the men to show a united front and tight to the end. Pickets were appointed, and they are now watching the ships at the wharves. The Harbour Board’s permanent staff is working the company’s Mararoa, Kennedy, and Rivorina, but operations on the other vessels, with the exception of one or two of the mosquito fleet, are hung up. Practically no free labor is coining forward, which is probably due to the fact that the shipping companies have not yet advertised for men. It is rumoured that a section of the j strikers will break away from the I main union and form a separate or-1 ganisation under tiie Arbitration Act. | Tin 1 strikers are very quiet so far, i standing about the wharves, which at 1 this hour generally present a scene of great activity and animation, nave a very, deserted appearance.