LABOUR.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2253, 12 September 1891, Page 4

LABOUR.

London, Sept. 9. Mr Burt, delivered an eloquent address at the opening of the Trades Union Congress. He praised the efforts of the organisers of unskilled labor, and pleaded for equalisation of the earnings of both sexes. Humanity must be aided in the efforts towards -improvements of the species by political economy. Owing to the deafness of Mammon the workmen would be compelled to stop the roar of machinery in order to obtain a hearing. He opposed the extension of the sphere of strikes. Millionaires and paupers, in his estimation, were equally monstrosities in a Christian and civilised nation. Wanton strikes wwp fpolish, almost criminal. The educated and thrifty working classes are dominant in the congress, Mr Burt, M,P„ in his opening address at the Trades Union Congress, said he preferred self-help to state compulsion. Sir J. Gorst and Mr W. S. Caine were present. A resolution in favor of the eight hours system in Great Britain and internationally was adopted by' a large majority.

At the Trades Congress the voting for eight hours was 301 in favor of it, and 236 against.., The Congress reaffirmed last year's motion relative to a legal eight hours, an amendment declaring that the establishment of a uniform eight hours would seriously injure the workers outside of certain favored districts, being negatived, amidst cheers. The debate at times was very heated, and the cloture had to be applied. The Trades Union Congress decided by 242 to 156 that the legal eight hours shall nob come into operation without the consent of two-thirds of the organised members of trade unions. The Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress at Newcastle has passed a resolution condemning the action of the Government in swamping the Labor Commission in favor of capital. Several thousand men at Eston street works, ;Middlesboro'y haverbeen thrown, out of work, owing' to 'the scarcity of orders.