WORK AND WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 233, 30 March 1912, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

THAMES MINING* CONFERENCE FAILS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Thames, Last Night. A conference between Thames miners and mine owners proved resultless. The miners demanded generally a minimum of 10s, with lis per wet shafts, rises and winzes. The companies' representatives agreed to give th~ present minimum rates which are applying in the Waihi district. This was not acceptable to the men, and the matter will now go before the Arbitration Court. MINING ENGINEERS' DISPUTE Waihi, Last, Night. The Conciliation Council, composed of T. Harle Giles (Commissioner) and assessors, commenced a sitting yesterday morning, which, concluded in the afternoon, in the matter of a dispute' [between the Ohinemuri branch of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers and the local mining companies. It was agreed that 45 hours should be a week's work, and that in wet places a 6-hours' shift should be worked. Regarding apprentices it was agreed that certificates of service should be issued, and it was also agreed that the minimum wage for tradesmen serving five years' apprenticeship, 'or 5 years continuously in one company, should be lis per day. Youths' wages should be: First year 4s per day, second ss, third 6s, fourth 7s, fifth Bs. After this they receive journeymen's wages. The proceedings were characterised with the utmost good feeling on both sides. A BUTCHERS' STRIKE. Gisborne, Friday. The butchers' strike continues. A police escort was obtained for a load •of meat being brought into town, rumours having been circulated that a movement was afoot to capture it. The strikers assembled in firont of the shop where the meat was being unloaded, and expressed free opinions regarding the men engaged in the wo'rk. Police assistance was called for, and they persuaded the critics to desist, but later on there was anotheir demonstration.