LABOUR, ETC.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2750, 13 December 1894, Page 1

LABOUR, ETC.

London, Dec. 9. Sir Henry Wrixon, of Victoria, has returned from a visit to Boston, New York, Washington, and Philadelphia, where he enquired closely into the labour and socialistia questions, and obtained the written views of the leaders of both movements. As the result of enquiries he believes that working men in Australia have more comfort thau prevails ainoug the working classes in America, where much of the agitation that takes place is of an experimental character. Newcastle, Dec. 10. The coal companies have notified the men that they will reduce the hewing rate from 3s 2d to 2s lOd giving them twelve mouths’ local agreement. Wallarah Colliery Company has given notice of a reduction in the hewing rate from 2s 6d to 2a and the Wallseud mine has also submitted substantial reductions. these alterations in rates will come into operation on the first of next month. It is expected that there will be a general

movement to bring down the price of coal as well as the rate of wages. Adelaide, Dec. 8. The Hon. W. P. Beeves lectured before the Adelaide Trades and Labor Council on labour legislation in New Zealand. The Conciliation Bill has passed the Legislative Assembly. Christchurch, Dec. 11. The Balmoral shearing case came before the Magistrates Court to-day in the shape of claims by twenty shearers for wages for work done and damages averaging in amount about £l4. The evidence was that the shearers in accordance with custom discontinued work at 4 o’clock on Saturday afternoon and refused to shear the small number of sheep required to complete the mob which had been penned. They were all dismissed, and the wages already earned withheld. Mr Beetham, S.M., gave judgment in favor oithe men for the sums claimed for wages, and for £7 damages for wrongful dismissal in each case. Mr Beetham said that it appeared to him from the evidence that the men were perfectly willing to work on bad they had been asked in a proper way by the shed manager to do so. Wellington, Dec 8.

Mr Tregear, secretary to the Labor Department, who has just returned from an official visit to the South Island, states that the pressure of finding work for the unemployed in that partsf the colony is now relaxed, shearing being in full swing and a good deal of farming work being available. There is no real destitution in the south at present.

A London correspondent writes: — Asked his (Sir George’s) opinion of the recent conference of labor delegates at Norwich and he remarked: “ 1 find it very difficult to gather with any degree of certainty what they are really driving at. They seem to be widely divided in their own minds as to what they want. It is of no use to pass a number of abstract resolutions affirming that the State ought to control the means of production and distribution. The circumstances are always changing, and it is not possible for one generation to provide for the wants of the one which is to succeed it. All they can accomplish is to frame a constitution which will enable the people to obtain what they need, and render them strong enough to retain it when they have sot it. This I clearly foresaw in New Zealand and Australia.

1 got the working classes, the mass of the people, to promise me that they would not attempt to do anything until they had established the principle of “ oneinan - one - vote,” and that pledge they have not kept. When the people get the power to frame the laws so as to suit their wants they can always accomplish their desires. That is the first essential thing to be achieved. It is upon this that the masses and the working classes in England ought to concentrate their efforts. Without it they will accomplish nothing but wasteful talk.”