LABOUR, ETC.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2752, 18 December 1894, Page 1

LABOUR, ETC.

London, Dec. 14. The Seamen’s and Firemen’s Union has dissolved through want of funds. Sydnby, Dec. 12. The miners working at the Newcastle Mining Company's pits have rejected the proposal to accept a reduction in the hewing rate to 2s lOd. This decision compels the directors of the company to refuse a contract they had secured for the supply of between 60,000 and 100,000 tons of coal at 7s 2d. December 13. The Wallsend miners have resolved to resist the proposed reduction in the hewing rate. The Lambton and Back Creek Collieries have virtually insisted on a reduction in the hewing rate. Adelaide, Dec. 12, The Committee set up to inquire into the unemployed difficulty have submitted their final report, in which are enumerated various causes for the existing depression, and certain remedies are suggested. The more practical amongst the latter are liberal pastoral legislation, encouragement of rural industries, moderate expenditure in assisting mining, encouragement of small holdings, a moderate public works policy, and just labor legislation. In order to relieve immediate distress they recommend the Government to give temporary relief in return for an adequate amount of reproductive labor, and the establishment of labor bureaux throughout the colony. In conclusion the Committee consider that the true remedy for the unemployed question is to be found in better prices and sound legislation. At Christchurch, a meeting of the Cooperative Bootmakers’ Union to consider the condition of members in distress through lack of employment, resolved to pay the passage of any member who may desire to leave the colony in search of employment, and “ That we protest against the statement of Mr Tregar to the effect that no depression existed in the South Island.” The Otago Daily Times says :—“ Shearing at Beumore station started on Dec. Bth without the least appearance of any trouble. We learn that a considerably larger number of shearers than there were places for turned up before the start, and that the men are quite satisfied with the shearing agreement, which is the same as that of last season and quite fair both to employers and shearers. T^ 0 agreement was willingly signed a ll the men, and general satisfae waa expressed with its \v e are informed that all "men were interfered with to a greater or loss degree on their way to the station by pickets. The men, however, made it, quite clear that they did not intend to be intimidated from earning out their c mtracts. There is a full board of J 8 sho.irers at work, and the manager (Mr Middleton) describes them as ‘ a splendid lot of men.’ ”