LABOR MATTERS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 179, 16 December 1912, Page 5

LABOR MATTERS.

THE RAILWAY STRIKE. KNOX'S CASE. By Cable —Press Association —Copyright. London, December 13. llr. Chester Jones said that the evidence on the question of drunkenness was so contradictory that no magistrate could convict. . Knox testified that the police badly knocked him about. He took no drink while on duty, and very little when off duty. He had two small rums the day of his arrest. London, December 13. Mr. Chester -lones. the Magistrate, commenting on the evidence in the Knox case, said that Knox was not really drunk, but was under the influence of liquor. Received 15. 5.5 p.m. * London, December 14. The North-Eastern Company announces that it offered on Thursday to reinstate every striker at his old pay, but that it was not prepared to dismiss new hands. It promised permanencies to the strikers, but they apparently believe that Ihe reservation is likely to interfere with promotion. A twelve hours' conference on Friday was resultless. Both parties are hopeful of a settlement.

THE BUTCHERS' STRIKE. Received 15, 5.5 p.m. Svdney, December 15. The employees in the butchers' shops yesterdav gave the employers a week s notice. They intimated that they were open to re-engagement, but only on the understanding that there would be no ■work after six o'clock on Saturdays. THREATENED TELEGRAPHIC STRIKE." Received l(i. 1.5 a.m. Sydney, December 15. The position in connection with the telegraphists' grievance against broken shifts contained in the new scheme of staff hours is unaltered. The Federal Government has decided that the scheme must operate on Monday morning. The telegraphists say that there will be a fight to a finish. Melbourne. December 15. A meeting of telegraphists will be held on Monday night to consider developments in Sydney.