LABOUR QUESTION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2781, 10 May 1890, Page 2

LABOUR QUESTION.

(BY ELECTRie TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT.) Berlin, May 6. The Emperor, in his speech to the Reichstag, said legislation on the subject of Sunday rest and restriction of labour of women and children was a paramount necessity. He hoped these measures would lead to a peacefully-developed improvement in the condition of the working classes. He also stated he would not cease his efforts to maintain the peace of Europe, and explained the increase in the army had been made necessary by unforeseen extension of his neighbours' forces. London, May 6. . The dockers are likely to block Queensland wool ships if the colonial unions will engage to supply money in the event of a general strike. May 7.

Mr Burns declines to discuss the Eight Hours question with Mr Bradlaugh, except in Hyde Park. Brisbane, May 7. It is estimated that the shearers' dispute will involve fifty thousand men, The federated unions are insisting that the British Indian Company shall load ond unload vessels at Townsville with Union labourers. The Amalgamated Shearers' TJnien will guard New South Wales and South Australian borders with the view of preventing shearers from those colonies joining the nonunion men, and are arranging for a mounted patrol of 500 men. Strong support is offered to the strikers by other trade organisations, and the matter is assuming serious dimensions. May 9. There is a very general feeling of consternation throughout the colony at the possibilities of a general strike. Trade for the last three months has been very bad. On Monday a conference will be held between the Labour Federation and the squritters, when it is hoped an amicable arrangement will be come to.

New Yobk, May 7. Carpenters in New York and other cities have obtained eight hours a day.

[by telegraph—pkrss association.]

Wellington, Last Night.

The Maritime Council to-day received a cable from the National Labour Association of Queensland, asking for support in the dispute which has arisen over the employment of non-union shearers, by certain squatters. The secretary was instructed to cable for full particulars regarding the dispute, and when the council receives these, the matter will be considered. A discussion took place on the Petono Woollen Mill difficulty, and the Council expressed regret that it found it necessary to employ solicitors, in order to effect a settlement. Consideration of this was also deferred,

At the sitting of the Maritime Council this afternoon, the rules of the Wharf Labourers Union, which had been drawn up at the Conference held recently at Dunedin, were considered and agreed to with a few minor alterations. A new rule to regulate the employment of all casual labour in the railway sheds and railway trucks on wharves was also submitted and approved of by the Council. This rule is for the purpose of preventing other, than members of the Union being granted casual employment in sheds and on trucks. A deputation from the Council will wait upon the Railway Commissioners next week and lav the question before them with the view to gaining their support, in putting the resolutions in force when required.

The Trade and Labour Council have decided to afford all possible assistance to the Christchurch Typographical Society in their dispute with Messrs Whitcombe, and Tombs and their employees.

The ironworks assistants have intimated to their employers that they will not work with non-Union men on and after 15th inst.