LABOUR, ETC.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2606, 11 January 1894, Page 1

LABOUR, ETC.

Sydney, Jan. 8,

Southern coal-owners consider that the strike is virtually ended, as it is only a question of a few days when the men will accept their terms iu regard to the reduction in the hewing rate. The nonassociated collieries will probably fix the rate at 2s per ton. Jan. 9.

lu connection with the unemployed difficulty, members of the Presbyterian Churches in the city and suburbs are taking united action to establish cooperative colonies. Three ministers—the Kev. Messrs Franckleton, Dunn, and Fitzgerald—will shortly visit New Zealand to make full enquiries as to the working of co-operative settlement there. The men employed in the Waratah mine at Newcastle have removed their tools, declining to accept a reduction in the hewing rates.

London, Jan.. 9. The Admiralty will adopt eight hours in the public dock-yards.

Mr Keir Hardie, with Mr Burns, Mr Raudell, Dr Clark, and other members, brought before the House of Commons a Bill for the nationalisation of mines and minerals. The Bill provides for the appointment of valnerd who are to assess the minerals at their present value, and without regard to the amount of capital invested or the prospective profits, and it is proposed that bonds be issued by the State bearing interest at the current rates, which are to be allotted in exchange for the mineral property. It is provided, too, that a State department of mines be created; that a “ living ” wage be paid, and that a working week of 48 hours be fixed.