N.S.W. Labour Troubles.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXIV, Issue 3752, 8 April 1908, Page 3

N.S.W. Labour Troubles.

Sydney, April 7. The Industrial Disputes Bill has been committed-

Mr Wade's preference provisions have been remodelled as follows:—In any claim as between the members of trades unions and other persons offering labour at the same time, such members should be employed in preference to such other persons; or that members of one trades union be employed in preference to another. Mr Wade said he had carefully considered the Bill since it passed the committee. The Government was not going to have the right of having grievances redressed confined to one section of the community, and the Bill stated that when other individuals than Unionists had substantial grievances they should have the right of approaching the Court. The Government recognised the good w«rk done by the unions, and that they were a convenient medium for approaching the employers and for dealing with industrial matters.

During the third reading debate Mr McGowan declared that much he had intended to say against the Bill had been rendered unnecessary by Mr Wade's amendment. He never dreamed that the Government would go so far as to actually encourage the organisation of industries. The Premier's concessions showed that he tolerated unionism where he formerly discouraged it; secondly, that he opposed the penal provisions of the Bill. He outlined other objections, but said if these were amended, it would make a workable measure. The Bill was read a third time, and passed by 40 to 29, and was forwarded to the Legislative Council.

WHARF LABOURERS' STRIKE. Sydney, April 7. The strike conference was continued today, and resumes tomorrow. The position is tonight officially described as being no worse.