MORE HOPEFUL.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 June 1920, Page 5

MORE HOPEFUL.

THE MELBOURNE STRIKE. AGREEMENTS IN SIGHT. By Telegraph.—lVess Assn.—Copyright. Received June 23, 10.45 p.m. Melbourne, June 23. The strike position is mora hopeful. The engine-drivers have agreed to settle their dispute with the private employers on the same basis as that agresd to by the City Council. Already 120 employers have agreed to pay the increases, and the men have resumed work at these establishments. The transporters' conference met again, and adjourned till Friday, as it is stated there is a likelihood of a settlement being effected at the compulsory conference of employers and employees convened by Mr. Justice Higgins for Thursday.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FEAR OF IT SPREADING. Melbourne, June 23. The industrial situation is threatening to assume serious proportions. The determined stand made by the Chamber of Manufacturers and the working of the gasworks by volunteers prompted the trades to convene a conference of transport unions, which ia believed to have considered the possibility of a stoppage of coal supplies l in Victoria. In some quarters there is talk of a general strike, in others of a general lock-out. The timber employers hare already given a week's notice to their employees. Mr. Justice Higgins has again summoned a compulsory conference of the parties to the gas dispute for Thursday. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Sydney, June 23. The engine-drivers and firemen are claiming a six-hour day and £S 8s per week from the coal owners. The latter decline to entertain the claim, as the mines are under the control of the Commonwealth.