LABOUR TROUBLES IN AUSTRALIA.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9044, 20 March 1908, Page 5

LABOUR TROUBLES IN AUSTRALIA.

WHARF LABOURERS' STRIKE,

UNSETTLED STATE OF AFFAIRS.

SERIOUS TROUBLE THREATENED.

Received M arch 19, 10.36 a.m. SYDNEY, March 19. Strike matters are still very unsettled. 'J he Ship Painters and Dockers' Union decided not to work any of the steamers of the three coastal companies.

The Masters and Engineers' Association also decided not to handle any cargo for transhipment from the coastal companies' steamers while the dispute lasts.

The Wharf Labourers' Union discussed the stevedores' proposals as to dealing with cargo, and agreed to transhipment to vessels lying atthe deep-sea wharves, but not to include cargo which leaves coastal boats after 12 o'clock on Sunday night. This will be handled without reference to where it came from.

Mr Hughes states that the Wharf Labourers' Union discussed the Premier's arbitration proposals, and decided to support the union's executive in refusing the offer.

There was a special sitting of the Arbitration Court to hear an application by the Registrar for directions in regard to the strike. The application set out the facts that led up to the trouble. The President pointed out that the Wharf Labourers' Union was not an industrial union, and the court could not compel it to file a claim if it refused to do so. He directed the union to file a ciaim within seven days. Mr Hughes declares that an attempt is being made to thrust arbitration upon the union, and make the union give its case away. Come what may, he says, he is determined to see things through rather than do that. If the attempt is persisted in, there will, he adds, be serious trouble in a few days. ANOTHER STRIKE. MINERS' FEDERATION AND STRIKERS. STERNER METHOD?. Receiveil March 19, 9.32 a.m. SYDNILY. March 19. A strike of clippers at the Pelavv Main mine and at the Back Creek mi in has throo;n.both pits idle. Strikes are r.ovv in progress in four pits. As a result.of the stoppages the sittings of the Special Mining Court have been brought to a standstill. The Miners' Federation has de- . oided to adopt more stern methods of dealing with these hasty, ill-advised strikes on the part of various sections of the colliery workers, and has adopted a resolution calling on the strikers to resume work immediately; failing this, to be expelled. The federation is also calling on lodges concerned to use everj effort j to keep their respective pits going. The resolution adds:—"We think that the time has arrived when each I lodge should realise its responsibility, and force its members to keep within the constitution of the federation." A CONFERENCE ARRANGED. Received March 20, 12.57 a.m. SYDNEY, March 19. The coastal companies have arranged a conference with the wharf labourers.