MARITIME STRIKE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2842, 30 September 1890, Page 2

MARITIME STRIKE.

EMPLOYERS AND UNIONISTS UONFKRKNCK. THE PROPOSED CONFERENCE. EMPLOYERS REFUSE TO ATTKND. MORE POLICE FOR WEST COAST TRAIN SERVICES RESUMED. (by telegraph—own cohrksi'O.mdext). Auckland, Lust Night. Ix connection with the proposed conference between delegates to be appointed by employers and unionists, Mr Mitchelson in conversation with a Star reporter this morning, said, there was no doubt that this meeting of opposing forces would eventuate at an early date. Up to the present, however, the Union Steamship Compiuy had been the only one of the employers interested that had responded to tho request made by the Government for the appointment of delegates, the other employers were still holding aloof, on tliu plea that there was nothing to place before the cenferonce to arbitrate about. On the other hand, Mr Alitcuelson said the delegates from the various unions wore already on their way to Wellington, and he hoped some solution of the difficulty would be arrived at notwithstanding that the holding aloof of a majority of employers interested, notably those connected with the Employer's Association, was undoubtedly unfavourable to suck a desirable end boing reached.

(IIV TKLKUKAI'II. — TRUSS ASSOCIATION). Wkllixgtox, Lust Night. An information has been laid against two men for assaulting a fioo labourer on Saturday night. Operations at the Fctone 'Woollen Works \v(!i-c rcsuiu'id this morning. Twelve other constables left for the West Coast this afternoon, and wero accompanied by Colonel Hume, Commissioner of police. Tho Shaw .Savillu and New Zealand Shipping Companies refuse to be represented at the labour conference. The Wellington Employers Association also decline. In a letter to tho Premier they say they cannot agree to tho disiussion by any conference of their right to employ free labour, but as soon as tho Unions abandon boycotting and other practices, they may tike paitin a conference. The Kiiilwiiy Commissioners have not considered the question of being represented at, the Conference, though it was sup2>osed in some quarters tliiit they intended to be represented. It is understood that some at least of tin; Unionist delegates are prepared to disenss the question of employing Unionist and tYee labour side by side.

During the present week tlic linilway Commissioners will resume regular services on most of the Southern lines, (lie traffic having gradually improved till there is little below the voliuuu before; tin; strike. Business on tilt; Wellington line is also increasing sufficient to justify the early resumption of ii. full service. The gasworks have received 100 tons of coal, being part of the Ororwaiti's cargo. This, with the stock on hand, will last about a fortnight. CintisTcwui'i.'ii, Lust Night. Bishop Julius preached at the Cathedral last night on the labour difficulty. He took as his text: "Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine o.vn?" lie sail' , all were capitalists. Brain and muscle was as much capital as money. Capital had lights, which everybody assorted, but it had responsibilities which tow admitted. Some possessors of money considered it \vi:hin their rights to pay miserable wages; to adulterate ; to trade on the weakness, igr.oi'iinco ;.nl credulity of men. Doubtless, however, many employers would pay better wages if they got better prices, but competition prevented them, Tho public would buy in the cheap }st market, regardless »f the workers who were ground down in order that things might be cheap Though there had been some violence, the attitude of tho men in the pro sent strike commanded his respect. Unionism would not accomplish per haps a permanent rise in wages, but it had done great good in the past. The labour party had no to crush the whole nation for tho sako of one class, or to put pressure on the rights of other men. Tho present strike in New Zealand had gonu too far, and both sides should make peace and not be led by cither workmen or capitalists in another colony. Was there no spirit of Christ among us to show some way of conciliation 't Invkul'AKgill, Last Night. The Gore Farmers' Club has passoi a resolution strongly endorsing the action of the ltuilway Commissioners iu the labour crisis. I