WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1915, Page 3

WELLINGTON GOSSIP.

LABOUR UNREST. UGLY RUMOURS. (From Our Own Correspondent) Wellington, Nov. 5. Ugly rumours have been afloat for some months past to the effect that a seamen's strike, possibly supported by watersiders, is pending in New Zealand. No very tangible evidence can he adduced in support of the\rumour, beyond the fact that the shipping companies are having abnormal trouble with their crews, hut the position is causing some little anxiety locally. Your correspondent has been informed in several quarters lately that the next three months may see a labor disturbance on a large scale. The possibilities are unpleasant, but there is reason to believe that the workers' leaders are strongly opposed to any drastic attempt to remedy alleged grievances being made at the "present juncture. SHORTAGE OF LABOR.

The position is complicated by the fact that there tends to be an actual shortage of labour, that is of competent labour, in the industries served by the discontented workers. The seamen and tlie watersiders, drawn largely from the roving section of workers, have made very heavy contributions in men to the expeditionary forces and they are continuing to do so. The country districts have heen drawn upon for large numbers of recruits at the same time, and it is evident that in the case of any serious strike the employers would he in difficulties about filling the vacant places even if the Government provided facilities.

SOUTHERN VISIT OF THE EIGHTHS. The Defence. Minister stated this evening that the visit of the Eighth Reinforcements to Christchureh prior to their departure for the front was not to be regarded as a precedent. lie had promised the Canterbury people that they should have an opportunity to see the troops, mainly in order that recruiting might be stimulated in that district, but the arrangement was costly and inconvenient. He could not promise to do as much for any other district. The Minister appeared firm on the point, but one may hazard a guess that he will find it difficult to resist the further claims that will be made. Auckland and Dunedin will want to see one of the of the drafts of the expeditionary forces in fighting trim, and probaMv there are smaller centres which will put forward claims.