LABOUR UPHEAVAL.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVI, Issue 13522, 2 November 1911, Page 5

LABOUR UPHEAVAL.

RAILWAY COMMISSION'S FINDINGS. To Be Discussed By Unions. Frew AModation.—Telegraph,—Copyright. LONDON, November I.' The executive committee of four railwaymen’s unions will begin to-day to discuss the Commission’s findings. [Tlie Royal Commission which sat, as a result of the recent strike, to investigate the complaints of the railwaymen regarding the working of the Conciliation Board, reported that it' was unanimously of the opinion that, owing to their great respouaioilities, the companies could not be expected to permit intervention between themselves arid their men on questions of discipline and management. The Commissioners recommended that the scheme of 1907 be amended so as to expedite the settlement of disputes, and to permit members of each board to select a secretary. from any source. The Commission recommended that central boards be abolished, and that if the sectional boards reach a deadlock the decision of the chairman should be final. Other recommendations were; that secretaries to the unions be allowed to act as advocates for the men; that no encouragement be given to either side in the event of a refusal to abide by the board’s settlement; and that ample protection be given against threats or attempted coercion of those who desire to work.] THE MEN’S DEMANDS. . . . : LONDON, November 1. The railwaymen have issued a manifesto for presentation to the companies,' demanding improved conditions and wages. FURTHER PARTICULARS. Received November 2, 9.30 a.m. , LONDON, November 1. The railwaymen demand an .eighthours’ day with ten hours for permanent way men and carriers, overtime to be at least at the rate of time and a quarter, and double pay for Sundays. They also demand that men engaged temporarily in the higher grade should receive higher grad© pay, and that length of service be the primary consideration in promotion. TAXI DRIVERS ON STRIKE. LONDON, November 1. Six hundred taxi drivers in London have struck in sympathy with a, comrade who is not allowed to take out cabs on the ground that he is withholding from the proprietor extras received in respect of two boxes. The allegation is denied. Seven thousand drivers threaten to strike. POSTAL GRIEVANCES. LONDON, November 1. The Hon. Mr Herbert Samuel (Post-master-General) promises a Select Committee in 1913 to inquire, into postal and telegraphists’"wages and other conditions. TRADES DISPUTES ACT. • LONDON, November 1. The Times, commenting on Mr Asquith's refusal to amend the Trades Dispute Act, accepts, his answer as indicative that a more energetic and effective 'enforcement of the existing, law is perfectly possible. THE SYDNEY STRIKE. Serious Developments Expected. SYDNEY, November 1. The strike outlook is less hopeful. A. mass meeting of wharf labourers, including the deep-sea section, lasted till a very late hour. The Press were not admitted. Everybody concerned is extremely reticent, and will disclose nothing of a definite nature. There is reason, however, to believe that the trouble-will be extended to the deep-sea section, and they will possibly be out to-morrow. The men were leaving the meeting in high spirits. One declared, “We'will‘all be out to-morrow.” The officers and crew of the steamer Karitane are discharging the cargo of lead. DEEP-SEA MEN TO JOIN STRIKE. Almost Unanimous Vote. A Surprising Decision. Received November 2, 9.20 a.m. : SYDNEY, November 2. The wharf labourers decided to extend the strike to the deep-sea wharves by an almost unanimous vote. The decision came as the greatest sur-i prise to shipowners, who generally thought that the strike was unpopular with all but a small sectiqn of the men. When they emerged from the meeting the men were evidently greatly excited. Many rushed out repeatedly crying, “No work!” The officials quickly dispersed, declining to give the press any information. . The men were not so reticent, and stated—."lt’s casual work, and shipowners can afford to pay.” TREMENDOUS INCREASE IN RAILWAY TRAFFIC. SYDNEY, November 2. The inter-State, railway traffic has tremendously increased owing to the strike. LABOUR GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE. Press Comments. MELBOURNE; November 2. The Hon. W. M. Hughes, in reply to a further question in the House, stated that there had been a breach of agreement, and the Government would take into consideration what action should be taken. » SYDNEY, November 2. In the Assembly, in reply to a question as to whether the Government intended prosecuting strikers, the Hon. A. C. Carmichael asked for notice. The same answer was, givep on the previous day. The Herald states that the action of the men in ignoring the agreement resolves itself into an attitude of contumacy of which many must be ashamed. The repudiation of agreements threatens organised industrialism with disintegration. The paper asks whether the Government dare use its legislative authority to put down the strike, and what -now becomes of its pretence of responsibility? The Telegraph declares that political Labour is sustaining Governments that obviously dare not face their responsibility i in enforcing arbitration m prefere-ice to a ■ strike. ~ ■,