LABOR DISPUTES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2098, 13 September 1890, Page 2

LABOR DISPUTES.

London, Sept. 9. The United Labor Council of London has remitted £2BO to Melbourne and £SOO to Sydney. Twelve thousand Norih Wales miners held a demonstration in favor of 8 hours. Australian bound vessels are shipping coal to complete their loading. Messrs Burns, Mann, and Tillett, have an interview to-morrow with the represeritatives of the Orient, P. and 0., and British India Company to induce them to promote a compromise over the strike, Sept. 10. The Sunday collection only amounted to £3O for the whole kingdom. The London dockers have £3OO ready to send. Mr Mann, addressing the dockers, said that tbe strike did not show up in a favorable light. Even if defeated the strikers would not be seriously injured, but it was their duty to support them. They could block one particular line of steamers, but the struggle with the shipowners' combination meant fighting tbe whole capital of the world. Apart from the employers' statement,! the dockers admit the potency of the Shipowners' Association, and are afraii to uselessly jeopardise last year's victory by actively taking up the cause of the Australians.

The steamer Ilapgatira is loading coa at Cardiff for New Zealand.

Mr Mills, manager of the Union Shipping Company, saiis for New Zealand by the Orient: on September 21st; The total amount of money remitted to Australia bo far is under £6500. Only unions have subscribed. The Union Steamship Comply threaten to remove their works from Southampton if the strike succeeds, Tbo strikers at Southampton stoned the military, who dispersed the crowd at j the point of the bayonet, Several persons were wounded, Sept. U. The arrival of the soldiery was received with much hooting at Southampton, accompanied by threats of

rescuing the prisoners, but no actual conflict occurred. There are 500 troops in town, and two gun-boats are co-operat-ing. New York, Sept. 9. The strikers have twice wrecked the trains on the New York Central lines. Syditey, Sept, 10. The import market shows a better demand, The feeling is growing here that the strike is on the wane. At the invitation of Cardinal MoraD, a deputation from the Labor Committee waited oh him with a view of seeing if a settlement of the strike could be arranged, but the result was not made public. Sept. 11. Arrived—Jubilee. She will be discharged by unionists. Two thousand more miners, whose fourteen days' notice is up, came out today swelling the number on strike at Newcastle to seven thousand. The strikers are greatly in need of funds. Cardinal Meran informed the deputation from the Labor Committee, who waited on him yesterday, that while acknowledging the justice of the demands of the men, it was inadvisable for bim to take any steps at the present juncture. The Tarawera, expects to be able to get away to-day. The Ohau is waiting at Newcastle to ooal, and if she is not successful in getting a cargo she will proceed to Brisbane to load. The Hauroto will probably leave in a day or two. The Union Company will give passages to New Zealand to all men who left their vessels in teims of their articles. The labor committee intend to send delegates to Loadon to rouse the sympathy of the dockers' and other unions. Melbourne, Sept. 10.

The employers end the anion have cabled details of the strike to London. Sept. 11. Mr B. Q. Champion, the English labor.advocate, in o farther communication to the Age, states that although he should be glad to see the workers at Borne willing and abie to support the workers herd in any just cauep, be cannot forget that the levies they are paying are sorely needed for the defence of English men and women who are chronically within measurable distance of starvation, So far as the dockers are concerned it is absolutely true that they would not subscribe were it not for the manner in which Australians of all classes came to their aid in their hour of need. | Bribpawb, Sept. 11. Now that shipowners are able to definitely fix the time of departure of vessels, trade is looking brighter. NEW ZEALAND. AucriiiND, Sept. 10. The Auckland carters on Btrike have signified their willingness to return to work, and the employers promise to conaider the matter favorably, buc will not guarantee to discharge non-unionists already engaged. Napier, Sept. 10. The storemen, carters, and expressmen were called out but refused. Some few ] unionists on strike tried to convince them of their error, but beyond a few black eyes no harm was done. September 11. At a meeting of the Asssciation of Employers and Free Workers to-day, Mr Nelson, the president, said that in the six days which had elapsed since the formation of the association 138 employers and 429 workmen bad joined, all being pledged to keep open the trade of the port. The sum received as entrance fees and annual subscriptions was £414, and the guarantee fund stood at £8836. Many country settlers were present. After the meeting more than twenty new subscribing members joined, and £1425 was added to the guarantee fund, thus making it more than the £IO,OOO asked for. Many unionists belong to the association, but most union* ists on joining resign from the unions. A free laborer who was accidentally hurt in discharging cargo has been granted substantial assistance during bis illness ) from the fund set aside by the association . for that purpose. Wellington, Sept. 10.

The Hon. George McLean states that the Onion Company have received an off<*r from Japan to supply vessels here with coal.

The work of loading the steamer Duke of Westminster with meat was resumed this morning, the carta being driven by non-unionist?, and the carcases placed on board by master stevedores. As the strike is prolonged acts of personal violence begin to be recorded. Several assaults have taken place lately, the perpetrators of which are not known. The men who were arrested yesterday were before the court to-day and remanded. Sept. 11.

A man named William Henry Gerard, who had been working ashore, went on board a vessel and it is alleged used insulting language to a young man Darned Robert S, Allan, one of the free crew. Allan shoved him and he fall down the hold. The injured mao was taken to the hospital suffering from a severe soalp wound, and it is feared that two of his ribs are broken, Allan was arrested on a cbarga of assault but was immediately bailed out. A scene occurred near the wharf at 5 o'clock this evening, when several of the free laborers who had just finished their day's work were jostled by a large crowd that had congregated, The police arrested Henry Ne'son and Nicholas Calogolas on charges of assault and ijciting other persons to resist the constables. Nelson and Calogolas obtained bail. The arresting constables were followed by quite 500 people, but thare was no hostile demonstration.

A proclamation signed by Mr Fisher, of the Maritime Council, and Mr Graham, of Federated Trades Council, was posted this afternoon calling on unionists to discountenance acts of violence or aggression of any kind.

At the usual parade of the Wellington Naval Brigade, Captain Duncan, under instruction* from headquarters, informed the men that they were to bold themselves in readiaess for service if necessary during the present labor difficulty. The other

companies will, it is understood, be similarly informed. Sept. 12.

In an interview with a Times reporter the President of the Federated Trades Council said that one of the most difficult questions to settle in connection with the present dispute was non-unionist labor, and though anxious for a settlement tbey would not submit to the crushing of the anions. He also mentioned that money was coming in well nod that there was no daDger about funds. '-Mr v "Fisher;' secretary of the council, stated that there, were 00,000 unionists in the colony. He calculated that about 1200 men were on strike here and about 4500 all over the colony. A number of employers who were interviewed said that a clear and diatinct agreement had been come to among employer! that nil free workers who had taken the place of the strikers should be retained. All the employers agreed that there was no scarcity of labor. Four hundred persons hive been summoned to act as special constables. Gerard's spine is injured, and it is feared his Injuries are serious. Allan says he ! was struck first. 1 Blenheim, Sept. 12. As far as Picton is concerned the strike may be considered almost ended. O Wednesday to meet the probable refusal to work the Grafton the Union Compan'* agent took down free labor and got the boat awny next morning. Before he left Picton last eight eight unionists waited on him and of their own free wll gave him a signed agreement throwing off allegiance to the Maritime Council, and others, it is said, are willing to do the eame. They will be tested to-morrow when the Kaneiri cornea in. At nine yesterday morniog the Mnritime Council called- out some railway employes, but they refused to recognise the call. Chmstobukwh, Sept. 10. Special constables are to be sworn in at Lyttelton this afternoon. All is quiet. The sailing ships are working cargo with free labor. The freezing worke at Islington are to bo closed on Friday. William Thomas Barnes, unionist lumper, was arrested at Lyttelton this evening on a charge of assaulting a nonunionist laborer named Walker at Wilson's Road on Monday night. Sept. 12. Tbe newly-formed Employers Association have elected Mr Q. T. Booth president, aiad Mr G. G. Stead vice-president, and appointed Mr Robert Allan, formerly of Lightband, Allan, and Company, secretary, A free laborer named Birch had a finger ripped open with a grain hook. UtTNEDIN, Sept. 10. To-day the Piako is being discharged by her own crew aod free labor.

The boycott has been withdrawn from Hie shore, so far as the carters are concerned, and all Mr Duthie'asmen turned up this morning and expressed willingness to do ariy work they were sent to do, without question. Mr Bines, secretary to the Carters Union, states that it was seen to be advisable to keep the boycott entirely off the shore, and confine it to the wharves. It is further Btated that Mr Bines and his union are williog to recede from their, position as untenable, ineffective, and a cause of irritation never dreamt of. The carters have decided to go back to »vork, but employers refuse to get rid of their free laborers, A large meeting decided to form an Employers Union to settle strikes disputes, but not to act in antagonism to unionists. Inveroargill. Sept. 10. A meeting of farmers condemned the Government Sfor weakness, and passed resolutions backing up the Railway Commissioners.

DISMISSAL OF RAILWAY SERVANTS. Messrs Elvines, Owen, Winter, anc Nawtoo, msmbers of the executive of tb< Railway Employes Union, who a fey months ago went as delegates to loierview the Commissioners io Wellington, were dismissed from the servicn last Wednes day. On that day they were summoned before the traffic manager, Mr Gaw, Mi Burnett, resident engineer, and Mi Ronayne, locomotive superintendent, and Mr Gaiv read the following telegram tc them { —"The Commissioners direct that Messrs Winter, Owen, Elvines, ani Newton, are to be summoned before yourself and Messrs Burnett and Ronayae, for the following action, viz.:—The second resolution, proposed by Mr Winter, at a public meeting, as reported in the Press newspaper of the 4th instant, in reference to the approval of the strike of the employe's of Westport and Lyttelton, | is to be read over to them. They are to ' be informed as follows :—That it appears to the Commissioners that they have been 1 urging other employed to disobey the Commissioners' commands and to refuse ' duties required of them provided by the rules and regulations under which they are engaged. That many emp'oje's have been incited to acts of disobedience through whiefa they have lost their places. That while the Comniisaioneis do not wish to interfere with the Union, or with free discussion of grievances, they cannot permit any to be parties to countermanding their order as to advising other employe*} to disobey their commands, that they muat undertake to unreservedly obey the rules and regulations I as required, and to abstain from counselling disobedience fro orders or neglect by any employe* to perform the duties required by him in the public service ; that if they are not able to sincerely and conscientiously undertake this tbey ehouM resign their places, failing which theyshou!d receive notice of discharge." He then read the resolutions proposed by Mr Winter at the meeting referred to, expressive of sympathy with the strikers at I Westport and at Lyttelton, whloh were as follows :—"(1.) That the Evecutive, and railw»y men in general, regret very much the action taken by the Commissioners of literally forcing the men into taking steps at the present juncture which may p obably end in a general strike, by taking platelayers and others from their ordinary work and coercing them into doiog the work of those wbarf laborers who have at present withdrawn their labor, thereby constituting them blacklegs and demoralising the society." •' (2.) That this meeting express its unqualified approval and admiration of the manner in which the men ) now out on strike, both here and at Westport, have responded to the call of the I Executive, and pledges itself to come out to a man, if called upon, either to assist J

in terminating the present strugg'e, or to force'toe reinstatement of the men now oat." Mr G»w then read the speeches of Messrs Newton, El vines, and Winter at the same meeting, which appeared in the Press on the 4th September. Air Owen said it seemed to him that it meant that if ihey wished to stick to the service they mast give np being onion men.

Mr Gaw said he could not discuss that question with them. Mr Owen could not understand what the' Commissioners w*nteitbem to doiT" Mr. Ron ay ne said to undertake not to interfere with the men "in future. Mr Gaw . h»d sent men down to .work, and they had been taken out by their orders, as the Executive of the Society. Mr Gaw said,tbey would give the men ten minutes to consider the question. The men then retired, and at the end of the period returned. In answer to Mr Gaw, tbey dec'ined to sign the undertaking, which was in the following words ;—" I,— —., hereby uodertake for the future to abstain unreservedly and unconditionally from inditing any of my fellow employe*! to disobey any ordars of the Railway Commissioners, or refuse duties requited of them, provided by the rules and regulations under which they are engaged, and 1 desire further to ex« press my regret for haying done so -ia the past. Ghria* church, September lOtb. 1890." Tbe men were then st-kod (severally whether they would sign the undertaking, but they decSiaed to do so whilst the men ctlled out the other day in Lyt« telton were still out. Mr Gaw declined to give any farther time. They had refused to promise not to incite their fellow emptoje**, and now they declined to resign. There was then nothing to be done but to dismiss the whole four at once. A fortnight's pay would be given them in lieu of notice, and tbey would have to repert what had taken plaee to tbeir respective foreman. The procee lings then terminated. .There was considerable excitement at Christehurch upon the news of the dismissal of the railway men becoming known. A large number of the men ex* pressed a desire to eome out on strike. The executive, however, having regard to , the inconvenience tbat would result to , the public if they took such a step, declined to call the men out. The executive officers who have been dismissed have no desire for a strike on their account.

ASSAULT ON FREE LABORERS. On last Thursday eleven men were arrested on a charge of having as* saulfced free laborers in Wilsen's Eoad, Christchurch. The circumstances which led to their arreßt were that W. T. Barnes was arrested first, and in his pocket-book was found the names of the others. Their names as they appeared before the Court were at follow:—W. T. Barnes, "W. Petheram, J. McGerty, Peter Morrison, J. Lewin, Thomas Blake, 8. Macdonald, H. Buckley, Fredk. Green, W. Sinclair, and W. Buckley. They were then charged for that on the Bth September, at Wilson's Eoad, they unlawfully and maliciously committed an assault on John Walker, E. C. Farr, and W. Adams. Inspector Pender deposed : Testerday evening, shortly before five o'clock, I arrested the accused William T. Barnes at the Railway Station, Lyttelton, on a warrant. He said he could prove an alibi. He said he was in Christchurch on that day. H« 1 pulled out a pocket-book he had in his pocket and said he hoped we would not take any of his letters from him. I produce the book. I said " No." Oil arriving at the Christchurch station the book was taken from him by Chief Detective O'Connor. On one of the leaves is written—" For town,September9th: Cassie, McGerty, Buckley, Green, L. Buckley, Macdonald," and a line drawn round a number of names and 12.40, the time the train leaves Lyttelton for Christchurch. These names were bracketted in another place—" Morrison, Hepburn, Lewin, Harkiss, W. Sinclair, Legge," and 3.15 p.m. put against it. The names of all the men charged are mentioned here. After several witnesses were examined the accused were remanded to next Monday, bail being refused.