LABOUR TROUBLES IN AUSTRALIA.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9054, 1 April 1908, Page 5

LABOUR TROUBLES IN AUSTRALIA.

THE WHARF LABOURERS' STRIKE. Received March 31, 10.3 a.m. SYDNEY, March 31. The Employers' Federation resolved that it was prepared to confer with the strikers, under certain conditions. Mr G. H. Reid, referring to the strike, said that trades unionism was one of the greatest developments in the way of safeguarding the rights of the people; but, however good their object, there was a power above that of employers and trades unionists—the power of the conscience of the whole community, which would not allow acts of intolerance and injustice. He compared non-unionists to martyrs at the stake, and added that the fires which had destroyed tliH martyrs of old had lit the fire of .Liberty, which ought to secure for men and women in the twentieth cejitury the right to assert their freedom of choice in all lawful matters. The Arbitration Court award, in connection with the demands of firemen and deck-hands employed in the ferry services, declares that no case for preference to unionists has been made out. Received April 1, 1.5 a.m. SYDNEY, March 31. The joint executive of the Unions decided that they were quite ready to meet the representatives of the coastal companies in conference at the earHest possible moment with a view to coming to a settlement. They are prepared if this public expression of their desire is not sufficient to make a direct request in writing. THE PAINTERS' STRIKE. Received March 31, 9.37 a.m. SYDNEY, March 31. The master painters have declined the strikes' proposal to hold a conference.