LABOR TROUBLES IN AUSTRALIA

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 44, 14 August 1911, Page 5

LABOR TROUBLES IN AUSTRALIA

AN ABORTIVE CONFERENCE. AN UNPROMISING LOOK-OUT. By ©able—Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, August 12. It is reported that the Brisbane conference of transport workers lias proved abortive. Telegrams have been received in Sydney instructing the unions involved to refuse to handle any sugar on vessels carrying non-union sugar. This affects the wharf laborers, storemen, trolley and dray men. In the event of an attempt to work non-union cargo, the engineers and seamen will also be drawn in, and probably the coal lumpers and clerks. The union is attempting to influence clerks not to handle cargo. The position has become grave. The Newcastle men are also affected.

BASIS OF AGREEMENT REACHED. TERMS UNDISCLOSED. Received 13. 5.5 p.m. Brisbane, August 12. The conference sat yesterday. It is understood that a basis of settlement was agreed upon and recommended for acceptance. The terms are to be disclosed later. Meanwhile both sides arc inactive. WILFUL MISCHIEF. Received 14, 12.15 a.m. Brisbane, August 13. The driver of the Sugar Company's Greenhills tramway discovered an obstrucion on the line, apparently placed there with a view to derailing the train. The points were also tampered with. IRONWORKERS' DISPUTE. WAGES BOARD NOT ENTERTAINED. Sydney, August 12. The Lithgow ironworkers' dispute is still unsettled. A miners' meeting declined to entertain a proposal for a wages board until the men were back on the old conditions. A ballot is to be taken on a motion that it is in the interests of the association to have no. more to do with wages boards.

GOOD EARNINGS OF SHEARERS. Sydney, August 12. Evidence in the Federal Arbitration Court sliowed that machine shearers averaged £7 13s 5d per week of 48 hours. WHAT NEXT! Brisbane, August 12. Navvies on the Avondale—lnvicta railway have struck because a special train carrying free laborers was run over the line.