THE LABOUR QUESTION.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 470, 10 May 1890, Page 5

THE LABOUR QUESTION.

EIGHT HOURS’ SYSTEM. HYDE PARK DEMONSTRATION. AN IMMENSE SUCCESS. London, May 4. Mr Burns, in the course of an interview on the labour question, said the only and properly organised system of trades unionism exists in Australia. In his opinion, it would be easier for Engglish workmen to secure the eight hours’ system by legislation than through the trades unions. He affirmed that India would soon become a formidable competitor to England unless the Factories Act were brought into operation, imposing shorter hours and higher wages. Thousands mustered for the labour demonstration in Hyde Park to-day (Sunday). The dockers were prominent amongst those taking part in the celebration. The weather was showery. Sixteen platforms were erected, of which the Socialists occupied two, and the supporters and opponents of legislation on the eight hours' question seven each. Hyndman, Davitt, and Burns were among the speakers. The meeting was an immense success, and those in favour of legalising the eight hours were apparently greatly in theascendant. Mr Burns had an enormous audience, but the audience at the Socialist platforms was scanty. Bands avoided playing revolutionary airs. The police did not parade, and the constables who were present did not make their presence conspicuous. The procession occupied an hour in entering the Park. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, declared that a million were in favour of making the eight hours labour the law of the land. Mr Bartlett moved, and Mr Graham, M.P., seconded a resolution in that direction. They denounced the charge brought against the promoters of the demonstration, that their object was to instigate a social revolt. The workmen of the world, for the first time, had met on a common platform. They denounced the reptile press for its efforts to obscure the question. Mr Davitt said the meetihg was important more for what it meant than what was demanded. It showed that the time had arrived when statesmen must attend to the labour question. Their duty exacted it. Mr Burns and Stepniak, the Nihilist, and Mrs Besant urged that the legalising of eight hours should be voluntary. The motion was carried enthusiastically. A resolution was carried to the effect that the Government and the municipalities should adopt the eight hours’ principle promptly. It was proposed by Messrs Mann and Tillett. Mr Burns read a congratulatory telegram from Melbourne, and said he was confident that Australia would assist in the struggle, as she did in the dock strike, if it were needed. He praised the attitude of the “ Melbourne Age,” and proposed a vote of thanks to the people and the press of Australia, which was carried with enthusiasm. Another speaker, Mr Burieigh, said that Australia had become the home of the aristocracy of labour, through the adoption of the eight hours’ principle. It is estimated that a quarter of a million men were present at the eight hours' demonstration. Madrid, May 5. One hundred of the leaders of the disturbance at Barcelona are being tried by court martial. Affairs in Spain are quieter. Paris, May 5. Troops at Roubaix have been reinforced, but disorder continues. Vienna, May 5. The strikes are being settled in Austria and Hungary. , c San Francisco, May 5. A strike is imminent on the eight hours’ question. Washington, May 4. The Congress will discuss the eigh hours question.