LABOUR QUESTION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2780, 8 May 1890, Page 3

LABOUR QUESTION.

(BX, ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—COrTEIGHT.) London, May 5. Ma Burns, in the course of an interview on the labour question, said the only and properly organised system of trades unionism exists in Australia. In his opinion it would be easier for English workmen to secure the eight hours' system of legislation than through the trades unions. He affirmed that India would soon become a formidable competitor to England unless the Factories Acts were brought into operation, imposing shorter hours and higher wages. Thousands mustered for the labour in Hyde Park. The dockers were; prominent amongst those taking part in the celebration. The weather was showery.- Sixteen platforms were erected, of which the Socialists occupied two, and the supporters and opponents of legislation on the eight hours' question seven each. A resolution was earned at the Hyde Park meeting to the effect that the Government and the municipalities should adopt the eight hours' principle promptly. It was proposed by Messrs Mann and Tillett. Mr Burns read a congratulatory telegram from Melbourne, and said ne . ""as confident that Australia •wouldXjsist in the struggle, as she did in the dock strike if it were needed. He praised the attitude of the Melbourne Age, and. proposed a vote of thanks to the people and the press of Australia, which was carried with enthusiasm. Another speaker, Mr Burleigh, said jthat Australia had become the home of the aristocracy of labour through the adoption of the eight hours' principle. It is estimated that a quarter of a million men were present at the eight hours' demonstration yesterday. ' Speaking at Hyde Park yesterday, Mr Burns stated that Australian workmen were agitating for seven hours' labour. He considers Sunday's demonstration the outcome, of the assistance so liberally extended by Australia.to the dock labourers when on strike laet autumn. Mr Bradlaugh has accepted Mr Burns' challenge to publicly debate the eight hours' question. Shaw, Saville and Co. have given way to the demands of the sailors that 48 hours shall be a week's labour while the ships are in port. Madrid, May 5. One hundred of the leaders of the disturbance a.t Barcelona are being tried by court martial. Affaus in Spain are quieter. Paris, May f>. Troops at Koubaix have been reinforced, but disorder continues. , Vienna, May 5. The strikes are being settled in Austria and Hungary. San Fuanoisco, May 5. A strike is imminent on the eight hours' question. Washington, May 4. The Congress will discuss the eight hours' question. London, May 0. The tailors' strike is regarded as a, trivial affair. The machinists take no part in it. Berlin, May (!. The Silesian miners have been conceded eight hours a day. The Government will introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Labour Conference so fur as Germany is concerned. Biusrank, May 0. The fighting fund at the disposal of the labour federation amounts to £25,000.