END OF BRISBANE STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 197, 17 February 1912, Page 5

END OF BRISBANE STRIKE.

STRIKERS PREPARED TO MEET EMPLOYERS.

By OaUt— Press Association—Copyright Brisbane, February 18.

Mr. Coyne, on behalf of the Strike Committee, addressed a letter to the Employers' Federation, stating that they were prepared to meet in conference with a view of arranging for the resumption «f work by all unionists except the tramwaymen, whose case was before tne Arbitration Court. Hundreds gathered at the Trades Hall in place of the thousands of previous days. The leaders did aOt address the gathering, and it soon dispersed. The bulk of the special constables are being disbanded. The majority declined to accept payment for their services. The Governor-in-Council orders the removal of the name of Joseph Col lings from the Commission of the Peace. Coltings was one of the strike leaders.

"AX ECONOMIC WASTE"

SOLID ADVICE TO UNIONISTS.

Melbourne, February 16.

Mr. O'Malley, Federal Minister of Home Affairs, echoed Mr. Griffith's statement that the 'Brisbane strike was responsible for the defeat of the South Australian Government. He declares that strikes are an economic waste. Unionists should give the money so wasted to the Labor Finance Committee to buy shares in industrial concerns and acquire the interest necessary to elect labor directors and thus control the industry and regulate wages and conditions. It was not preference to unionists or high wages which damaged the cause of labor, but strikes, which could all oe averted if a few sensible men gathered round a table. Strikes were always settled at such gatherings.but to the disadvantage of the workers.

FEDERAL ARBITRATION COURT PROCEEDINGS.

Received 16, 9.30 p.m.

Melbourne, February 16.

Tbi .Federal Arbitration Court commenced hearing a case arising ont of the Brisbane tramway strike and wearing the union badge. The parties represented were the Australinn Tramway Employees' Association and the Brisbane, Melbourne- and Adelaide tramway companies. Mr. 'Badger, manager of the Brisbane trams, contended that the Court had BO jurisdiction, as the dispute existed 'Only in one state. Justice Higgins said evidence would be forthcoming to show that the dispute existed in Adelaide months before the Brisbane trouble. There would also be ■ evidence of a strain in Melbourne. Lengthy, evidence was given on behalf of the tram men to show the reasons for adopting the badge. They claimed it was absolutely essential for the management. The Association had not intended the label of unionists to be distinct from that of non-unionists, but to show that the wearers were members of the Association. It was stated that no exception was taken to New South Wales trammen wearing badges. The allegation was made that some men were dismissed in Brisbane, the only reason being that they were members of the union.

DISCHARGE OF LINER'S CARGO BLOCKED. EMPLOYERS' TREATMENT OP STRIKERS. Received 16, 10.30 p.m. Brisbane, February 16.

The steamer Berbera has arrived from London with a large general cargo. The agents formally applied to the waterside workers to discharge the cargo under the overseas agreement. The anion replied that no labor was available. The Employers' Federation discussed the Strike Committee's application for a conference. It is understood the request was refnsed, on the ground that the committee had not stated the points it desired to discuss.

A meeting of master printers decided not to take the men back unconditionally, and that each application would be treated on its merits. They declare that the strikers will only be employed if they sign on as non-unionists and forfeit their wages due at the time the strike occurred. The hotels opened till the usual hour to-night.

STRIKE COMMITTEE DESIRE RESUMPTION.

Received 17, 1.10 ajn. Brisbane, February 16. The reply of the Employers' Federation, declining a uonference, gave various reasons why it could not be granted at the present time, and concludes: "While we are anxious that members of unions who have been induced to participate in the strike without having any grievance against their employers, should return to work, in many instances their placet nave been filled by men who have a claim upon the employers, and cannot be displaced because the Strike Committee now desire a resumption of work."