LABOUR, ETC.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2381, 12 July 1892, Page 1

LABOUR, ETC.

Washington, July 7. A body of 300 police tried to pro-, tect the Unionists at Pittsburg, but the strikers opened fire on them with revolvers. The police replied with volleys from their Winchester rifles. The strikers then hastily erected a fort of steel bars and garisoned it with 1000 men. They also procured cannon with which fire was opened on the police, who tried to land from the river. After a brisk fight the police were ultimately obliged to surrender, and were then allowed to depart. Thirty-eight men were killed, but the loss was mostly on the side of the strikers, only a few other persons being included. Hundreds of strikers are still concealed ready to shoot the police if they attempt to land again. Carnegie's strikers brutally assaulted Pinkerton's private police, and, after the latter burned their barges.

The police at Pittsburg on finding themselves out-matched displayed a fkg which was riddled with bullets. They afterwards accepted an escort from the strikers, but were compelled to salute the union banner. The mob attacked and injured over 100 persons. The cause of the strike was a sweeping reduction of wages by the company. An oil tank was fired during the fight at Pittsburg between the police and the strikers, many of whom were drowned in trying to escape. The .Senate has appointed a committee to investigate the circumstances of the conflict.

July 8. Six of the strikers in Pittsburg were killed and eighteen wounded, six mortally. Nine of Pinkerton's men were killed and 21 wounded in the conflict The mob seriously injured 100 of Pinkerton's men after they had surrendered. Sydney, July 8. The Government have issued a proclamation similar to that issued during the shearers strike calling upon the residents of Broken Hill to assist in preserving order. Melbourne. July 8. The mine-owners declined to hold a conference with the men. Mr Knox, Secretary to the Owners' Association wired to the Government of New South Wales that the Government of the neighbouring colony had offered its assistance In the protection of the mjnes. The Sydney authorities replied that they preferred to deal with the question on their own responsibility, and cautioned Mr Knox against creating interference which would provoke ill-feeling or tend to postpone a complete settlement of the difficulty. July 10.

Tt is understood that the directors of the mining companies have desided to agree that the dispute with the men should be referred to a conference, if again requested, Silver shares are rising in consequence. Wellington, July 0. The Trades Council here appointed a deputation to interview Mr W. Hutcheson and obtain his consent that the Council ask the Government to take up his Eight Hours Bill. Mr Hutcheson agreed, and the Minister of I;abor has promised to lay the matter before the Cabinet.