WORK AND WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 231, 28 March 1912, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

STRIKE OF GISISORXE BUTCHERS. By T«lftjr*ph—Press Association. Gisborne, Wednesday. There is no change in the butchers' strike. The men assembled at the wharf this morning to bid farewell to three of their number, who were leaving for Waihi to obtain billets there. Matters are expected to remain in abeyance until the arrival from Auckland of an organiser on Sunday. In the meantime the shops are open, and some deliveries are being effected.

THE PLASTERERS' DISPUTE. Wellington, Last Night. The plasterers' dispute was before the Conciliation Council to-day, and as a result of the conference a full settlement was reached. A week's work has been fixed at 45 hours, and ,a definition of the term "work" has been agreed upon. In the case of suburban work payment for travelling time is recommended in addition to the fare. Preference to unionists is conceded, and the Council recommends that this agreement should expire at the same time as the carpenters' award, with a view of obtaining, if possible, a 44-hour week in the building trade.

THE LABOR PROBLEM. . Christchurch, Last Night. The quarterly meeting of-the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce discussed the question of industrial unrest, and arrived at the following resolution: "That this Chamber thanks the Auckland. Chamber of Commerce for its action in ventilating the subject of industrial unrest, and recognises that the problem involved is the most urgent before the people of New Zealand, and endorses the suggestion of the Auckland Chamber that the Government be asked to appoint a Royal. Commission consisting of commercial men and labor leaders." The president, Hon. H. F. Wigram, moved the first portion of the resolution, and said that personally he w.ts not satisfied that a Royal Commission .would do much good, He had great hopes that a public opinion might be evoked which would strongly discountenance the strike form of industrial warfare, and held these hopes in regard to New Zealand particularly, because he believed that there existed in the Dominion a better feeling between employers and employees than in any other part of the world. If both side's could be brought to share the opinion that the strike is a barbarous method and an anachronism, inconsistent with our free institutions, a way would be opened for the consideration "of other means of settling industrial disputes. Other speakers considered that a Royal Commission would give an opportunity to Labor to represent its side of the question, and the motion was agreed to, with the additional endorsing suggestion that a Royal Commission should be set up.