THIS LATEST.

Te Puke Times, Volume II, Issue II, 7 November 1913, Page 3

THIS LATEST.

Wellington, Tnia day. The feeling in official circles today is that the strikers and employers are coming closer together again. Negotiations will be reopened, probably to-day. It is understood the men are willing to discuss possible terms of an agroimsnt, though still opposed to compulsory arbitration. It' is "also understood that a large section of the employers are ready to entertain overtures to formulate iv scheme as a basis of agreement, ' The employers' proposals include the appointment of three assessors from each side plus an umpire to discuss terms.

It is also stated they are willing to admit; men on the old terms, and will not insist on registration of th' 3 agreement under the Arbitration Act, but require that the agreement arrived at shall apply to the whole Dominion, and shall be enforced by special legislation. The situation is somewhat more complex now, and any settlement reached will probably hive to be of a triangular character, in view of the determination of the producers to be considered in the negotiations. The attitude of the farmers will pr.Voably be supported .by thePiC ".ier. Auckland, 5 p.m. It is understood that ti'ii ! ih been received by the Auckland Strike Committee that

proposals.are under consideration . by the Federation executive ii regard to an amendment of tin Trades Union Act making agree ments entered into outside the Arbitration Act liable to en forcement by law, penalties t( be summarily enforceable by i Magistrate. It is thought that this, if approved by the Federation, will form Ithe new basis of negotiations. The settlement, will remove the objections of the employers unless (the agreement registered under the Arbitration Act is not legally enforceable, The latest manifesto issued by the Strike Committee in Auck land calls for a general strike the moment the special constables appear on the waterfront. The manifesto refers in strong language to the invasion of special constables, and continues —" As a protest we call upon all workers in Auckland that are organised or unorganised, male or female, to cease work immediately the introduction of special police takes place, on our wharves, thus emulating the tramwaymen, exhibition workers, carters, seamen, general laborers, engine drivers, sheet metal workers, grocers, and many other. organisations not desiring violence or bloodshed. We consider that with thousands of workers in Auckland and suburbs this will be the most |effective means of coping with the position."

A moun.ed special constable entered }he rear of the Exhibition grounds and took some grass for his horsejj

His action had the effect of precipitating a strike of 250 men.