INDUSTRIAL UNREST

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 105, 11 January 1912, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNREST

ENGINE FITTERS' STRIKE. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright Perth, January 10. The agreement between the Society of Engineers and the commissioners of railways expired in November. Since then the officials of the society have been negotiating for an increase of two shillings u d.-iy. The claim is based on the increased cost of living and the fact that increases have been granted to locomotive engine-drivers. The commissioners offered an advance of sixpence, which was promptly declined. The men waited on the Minister of Railways, who declined to take the matter out of the hands of the Commissioner. The men decided to stop away from work in order to attend daily conferences, this action amounting to a strike.

Those affected are engine-fitters, turners, iron molders and blacksmiths employed in the Midland Junction workshops at Fremantle and Kalgoorlie. No immediate dislocation of the railways is •feared, although the strike will seriously interfere with tlie building of new rolling stock. Received 11, 12.40 »i.m. Perth, January 10. The Minister of Railways insists on the men submitting their demands to the Arbitration Court. The men insist that they have not struck, but have only stopped for the purpose of conferring. RABBIT TRAPPERS' STRIKE. Sydney, January 10. The rabbit trappers' strike is steadily spreading. WHARF LABORERS' DEMANDS. ' Melbourne, January 10. It is stated unofficially that the wharf laborers demand that increased wages be granted with certain conditions. A mass meeting will be held to-day to consider the position. THE COTTON CONFERENCE. ' London, January 9. Sir G. R. Asfcwith's conferences in connection with the cotton industry have been adjourned until Monday. COTTON DEADLOCK. Received 11, 12.40 a.m. London, January 10. The cotton conference has virtually reached a deadlock. The operatives' representatives declined to recognise the masters' terms. The men suggested a half year's truee, pending alteration of rules regulating the position. The masters demanded an uncondition.il surrender. A mass meeting at Blackburn protested at working with non-unionists. THE COST OF STOPPAGE: Received 11, 12.45 a.m. London, January 10. It is estimated that the fortnight's stoppage of the mills has cost .£3,500,000. STRIKES-A BRUTAL METHOD. London, January 9. Mr. John Wilson, M.P. for Durham, states that he is opposed to a strike, it being a brutal method of settling matters. It would l>e a calamity to the whole community in addition to'the coal trade.

THE STRIKE IN THE ARGENTINE. Buenos Aires, January 9. The Government has reinforced the j garrison in order to guarantee the free- J dom of labor, also authorised the railways to employ anyone regardless of the usual restrictions.