Labor Matters

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 192, 12 February 1914, Page 5

Labor Matters

SYDNEY STRIKES. A SERIOUS ASPECT ASSUMED. A COMPROMISE OFFERED. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, February 10. The wharf laborers' overtime strike is general at all ports controlled by the Federation. Both parties are awaiting developments at to-day's meeting.

The butchers' strike has assumed a serious aspect. A combined meeting, representative of the whole meat industry, decided the men a compromise of 49'/ 2 hours a week and a rise of five shillings instead of ten. The secretary of the Master Butchers' Association said that with the present high prices of stock and the high wages not one butchery business in Sydney was paying expenses. A further meeting of the employers will be held on Thursday, and if the butchers do not accept the ultimatum the shops will be closed. MASTERS' OFFER REFUSED. WILL STAND BY THURSDAY'S TERMS. Received 11, 9 p.m. Sydney, February 11. •> A meeting- of strikers decided to refuse tluj master butchers' offer to board. The Australasian Meat Employers' Union will abide by its decision given on Thursday night. THE COMPULSORY CONFERENCE. Received 12, 1.8 a.m. , Melbourne, February 11. The compulsory conference of ship- ' owners and waterside workers t» consider the claims put forward by the latter, held a short sitting, and adjourned until to-morrow to consider certain suggestions made by Mr. Justice Higgins.

THE POSITION IX BRISBANE. Received 12, 12.45 a.m. Brisbane, February 11. The wharf men'* strike is seriously inconveniencing shipowners and the public. Several vessels have been compelled to leave with short cargoes. THE SYDNEY CONFERENCE. HOLDS FINAL MEETING. Sydney, February 11. At the final sitting 1 of the Labor Conference, speaking on the Fair Rents Bill, Mr. Fitzgerald said it was a clumsy device at best, although a necessary one. The committee submitted a report that a Bill similar to the measure previously submitted be introduced as the first measure in Parliament this year. This was adopted by an overwhelming maj*rity.

The committee appointed to investigate the charges against Mr. Griffith submitted a report, and by 81 to 3 the conference impeached Mr. Griffith on a charge of having failed to pay the rates provided in the Federal award governing builders' laborers, and decided to make representations to the Premier for the immediate payment of award rates. A motion was carried by 72 to 10 for the compulsory notification of venereal diseases and the provision of dispensaries, systematic periodic examination and free distribution of certain remedies at. hospitals. NOT DISTURBED BY TOE CONFERENCE. Received 11, 9 p.m. Sydney, February 11. Mr. Griffith will remain on his holiday in the country for a few days more. His colleagues are not greatly perturbed by the Labor Conference impeachment of Mr. Griffith.