WORK AND WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 79, 20 August 1912, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

POSITION AT WAIHI. By Telegraph—Press Ass»eiati#n. ' Waihi, Monday. At a meeting of strikers, a motion was moved to the effect that the time had arrived when a ballot should be taken «a,s to whether or not the federation should endeavor, through the Mine Owners' Association, to dra,w up an agreement with the view of settling -the dispute, the agreement, if satisfactory, td be Ratified by the Arbitration Court. The mover's contention was that if the federation did try to get an agreement a clause could be inserted to the effect that the engine-drivers should join the Miners' Union. It would also decide the feeling of the men, seeing that they had been called out without a secret ballot. The chairman (Mr. Parry) ruled the motion out of order. He said if the Arbitration Court had anything to do with the drawing up of the agreement it would also have the settling of any breach that might occur. The chairman said in regard to rule 90 that the union would work' on rules rescinded by the union, notwithstanding the fact that the registrar had not approved them. The registrar was almighty powerful, but his (the chairman's) was a democratic ruling. Exception was taken to the ruling, but on being put to the meeting it was endorsed. Referring to the recent visit of the Conciliation Commissioners, the chairman contended that the Government was only inciting strikers to violence by sending commissioners to Waihi and by interfering with Comrade King. Notice of motion was given to the effect that no more persons be allowed to join the union till the termination of the strike. Mr. Parry stated that the company was taking steps in Auckland to obtain 2000 men to start work in tlie mines. If the company engaged independent workers, the federation would call on the railways not to carry them. DRIVERS' HOURS. Wellington, Last Night. Representatives of the Drivers' Union waited on the Minister of Labor to day and pointed out that under the Shops and Offices Act the Jiours of drivers engaged were limited to 52, but the, amending section in the Act of 1910 gave an employer power to work his employees who were drivers for 59 hours a, week. As the Arbitration Court had refused to go into the question of hours, the deputation now asked that after 52 hours overtime should be paid. Replying, Mr. Massey said that an amendment to the Shops and Offices Act would be introduced. After hearing evidence, he would decide as to whether such provision as the deputation asked for should, be inserted. THE RIEEFTON TROUBLE. Reefton, Last Night. The Miners' Union meeting decided to allow local coal-owners to supply the Consolidated Company with coal. A motion of no-eonfrdence in the executive was defeated liy I*s votes to 2. Some 150 men are drawing lock-out pay. The Energetic mine is still being worked by the, managers.