WORK AND WAGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1919, Page 5

WORK AND WAGES.

FERRY STEAMER HELD UP. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last, Night. The ferry steamer Maori's departure for Lyttelton has been postponed till 3 pjn. on Tueeday,. owing to being one fireman short and the Btokehold crew refusing to sail unless a full complement was obtained, contending that it was unsafe. AUCKLAND TRAMWAYS DISPUTE. Auckland, Last Night. Members of the Auckland Tramway Officers; 1 Union decided, at a meeting to-night, to cease work if the dispute between the union and the company is not settled within fourteen days. Intimation to this effect is being sent to the company, and has already been signed by the majority of members of the union. Ah the union comprises the power house staff, ear, and ticket inspectors, their ceasing work would entail the stoppage of the tram service. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.

Dargavillc, Last Night.

Quite a commotion was caused in shipping circles thia morning when the report spread that the watersiders loading the Sydney steamer Ihumata had struck. Color was given to the report when the men, in a body, were seen to be making for the International Hall, where a union meeting was held. Inquiries showed that matters were not quite so (.eribus as painted by the rumor. A stop-work meeting was being held for the purpose of taking.a secret ballot arising out of the recent seamen and shipowners' dispute, concerning a further rise in wages and other trouble in connection with overtime to be worked in. loading the steamer. The men were opposed to working later than five o'clock. Captain Mathieson took exception to this attitude, and the conference then arranged to discuss the situation. The matter was referred to Mr. C. Davidson, secretary of the local branch of the Waterßiders' Union, Captain Mathieron, and the Mayor (Mr. R. E. Hornblow). These gentlemen went fully into the grievances of the parties. The Mayor addressed the men, and a further meeting of the union was held, when everything was settled satisfactorily, and the men decided to work overtime.

BROKEN HILL DISPUTE. Sydney, May 2G. The Broken Hill mine managers refused the miners' demands, but. will later review the rates of wages in the light of the cost of living.—Aua.-N.Z. Cable Assn.