THE MARITIME STRIKE.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 501, 2 September 1890, Page 2

THE MARITIME STRIKE.

THE ATTITUDE IN ENGLAND. London, August 30. The Dockers are moving strenuously to obtain support for the colonials, and it is confidently believed that a large sum will be (forwarded.- Australia is regarded as the battleground of a great struggle between Capital'arid Unionists. On the other hand ship-owners are beginning to recognise the seriousness of the struggle, and strong counter-moves are being made in the hope of strangling the movement. AFFAIRS IN AUSTRALIA. Melbourne, August 31. A cable message has been received by the Secretary of the Employers’ Union from London merchants, offering to give every assistance in their power in order to conserve the interests of employers. It is not likely that any of the church services will be held on Sunday as the citywill be without gas this evening.

The action of the Government in call ing put the military is bitterly resented by the Trades Council.

Union pickets have been warned by the police to desist from patrolling the gas works and wharves, or they would be arrested.

As the free laborers are now experts at making gas the Metropolitan Gas Company announces that it will be able to resume the supply as usual to-morrow.

The Strike Committee has .written to the Employers’ Union suggesting that the time has arrived for a conference to discuss thq basis of a settlement of the present difficulty. The letter was referred to a conference of employers to be held in Sydney on Fi iday next.

AFFAIRS IN NEW ZEALAND. Auckland, last night. The Australia. (Captain Gibb) arrived from Gisborne and East Coast ports at 2 o’clock vesterday morning. She was berthed at Queen-Street. Nothing was done about her until midnight last night. At that hour .quite a number of members of the Auckland Rowing Club went down to the Ace in Club dress. A large quantity of bones, hides, e’c. from the East Coast was on board, and the task was not a peculiarly pleasant one, bu’ the Club fi’lowa for 'the nonce seeing to rather enjoy the work, and kept.at it six o’clock thia morning. The hands on the Australia w ere called on to turn out and discharge cargo. At' once all the cr.ew, numbering thee firemen and greasers, and rix seamen, eleven all told, picked up their kits and walked ashore, leaving the steamer. A few non unionists were set to work at the winch, and handled the cargo, and during to day the work of discharging the vess 1 is being carried on. She is pretty certain to get away again for Gisborne tomorrow. To day all the carters in the employ of the local firms who were to go to work on the Australia’s cargo informed their employers that they declined to handle any goods coming from any of the Union Company’s steamers. The officer’s of the Australia have not yet struck.

The master carters held a meeting today and deciJed to remove the cargo from the Union Company’s boats by free labor. During to day large crowds of people, eager to see what was going on, visited the Q leen’s street jetty, but only those who had business on the wharf were allowe 1 to pass beyond the wooden barriers erected by a number of the Harbor Board men, at the end of the jetty. There was no excitement or disturbance.

The Pukaki arrived at Russell Jfrom Auckland at midnight on Saturday, having been detained rff Whangarei for about six hours through her fire bars having been burnt through anl having to cool down and place in fresh ones. She commences coaling this morning. The miners at Kawakawa went nut on strike this morning, as soon as the Pukaki was known to be coaling. About 20 miners came down with the train this morning to where the ship was coaling, but did not at'empt to interfere in any way. The Wairar.apa, from south, is expected to arrive here about midday tc-morrow. She will be unloaded by free labor, and a large number of volunteers from offices in town have effered their services. No disturbance is feared, however. A message from Qn°hijnga to day sayg that the crew of the Orowaiti having left, the officers are doing the Dimmers’ work. Everything is quiet. About. 100 men are on the wharf, but none are offering their services. The Gaa Company’s manager stales that there ig not the s’ighfest fear of the supply running short for the next five or six weeks, and most likely it would last even longer. A meeting of master bakers wag held on Saturd iy evening, when it was decided, in consequence of flour having advanced £3 10s per ton, to raise the price of bread halfpenny the 21b loaf.

A procession of 150 strikers, headed by bagpipes, took place in town this afternoon. The Typographical Society has demapded the absolute discharge of the females <mployed in the local printing offices.

Napier, last night.

There was a good deal of excitement yesterday ns to what would be done about tendering the Wairarapa, and crowds gathered at the Spit in the afternoon, awaiting the Wairarapa’s arrival. The mails were brought ashore in the pilot boat, and about an hour afterwards ? tbe Ahuriri, which had gone to Blackhead nn Saturday nisfht by arrangement, steamed up to the Wairarapa, and took the passengers and luggage and cargo, aboard. The Ahuriri’a crew, however, with one exception, refused to touch the luggage or cargo, and on the s Ahuriri reaching the Iron Pot they l«-ft 111=3 vessel, amid much cheering from the crowd on the wharf. The cargo of the Wuirarspa wasthi? morning discharged from the Ahuri i by volunteers, consisting of Messrs Jamng Sidev, Wenly, Kennedy,. Von Haast, Poffbt, Millar, Crowlev, and others. There wag a good deal of good humored chaff indulged in at the expense of the volunteers, and Mr Oreagh. Secretary of lhe Lumpers’ Union, is reported to have gone up to Mr Jas. Sidey, and promised him he would make the South British Insurance Company suffer far the day’s work. Captain Dean, who had taken the place of Captain Tonkin (who wag HI), remained on board the Ahuriri., The was unloaded, amidst groans from the spectators. The passengers presented Capt Dean with a purse of 10 fdvs. On Saturday night tbo butchers held a meeting, at which violent and dieg-aceful language was used in connection with Nelson Brothers’ action in opposition to Umonfctn — one speaker declared that not a carcass of frozen mptton should leave the wor|cs. The Waihora will be unloaded by volunteer labor on her arrival from Gisborne. It was reported on Saturday night that a railway strike would take place to day, but everything is. the same as usual. There are 200 railway employees, of whom 50 will refuse to come out if ordered.

A tekgrsm from Timaru on Saturday says :—At a meeting of employers a telegram was read frem Neleon Bros, to the Frerz’ng Comp my here, asking if they would join ih*m in dee’ining to employ Union labor. The prefent was an opportune time to knock down the whole Union system. They would never have a better chance.

The Tomoana men, who have admittedly in the past been well paid, and whose comforts have been thcroughly studied, have exceeded from the recently formed Union. When the organisation was formed the men candidly said they had no grievances to redress—Telegraph. The report that the Bayley’s cargo of coal is for Nelson Bros., is incorrect. Almost the whole cargo will be required by the steamers Star of Victoria and Bayley for the Homeward voyage, and any small surplus was bespoken by the Union St ••a m Ship Company some time ago.—Telegraph. Wellington, last night. The Mawhera and. Grafton. with cargoes of coals from the FVAet Const, and the Scut hern Cross, from Axi'.kland via East Crast, arrived in the course of Saturday evening. Both the firemen and seamen h ft the vpeeel?, the effieers aUo-giving notice. Tlio WanuhY. Wuirataj and Penguin ar- also

without crews. Tho first two still have cargoes on board, but the Wanaka’s will be discharged by volunteer labor. The Waihi and Manawatu were brought alongside tho wharf this morning, but the Takapuna and Rotokino are still in the stream. The Waihi has about 20 free laborers on board, and they will discharge that vessel and the Kanieri.. Both have large cargoes of produce from Blenheim. There are crowds on the wharf, hut where the Waihi on I Kanieri are lying is barricaded off. These are the only two of the cargo vessels unloading at present. Mr McLean states that the T&kapuna will be laid up at Wellington at once, and the crew transferred to another vessel, possibly the Penguin. Ten of the Union Company’s vessels are now here, nine of which are affected by the strike. The Rotokino, although not affected by the strike, is still out in the stream. Free laborers are still working the Waihi and Kanieri, and the latter leaves for Blenheim nt 2 p.m. The cargo in the re»t of the Union Company‘s boats is not yet being touched. With respect to the difficulty with the railway hands at Westport the Railway Commissioners explain that no duties have been as.ked or done other than those ordinarily performed by the railway. The Commissioners have given orders to their officers to be careful to adhere strictly to the ordinary duties devolving upon them, and to undertake nothing beyond the usual railway practice. There was a slight demonstration, some of

the spectators trying to persuade one or two of the hands to leave the Wanaka. There are, however, not many people on the wharf. A deputation representing those on strike waited on Sir Harry Atkinson this morning in connection with the present difficulty. The Premier referred them to the Hon. Geo. McLean, Chairman of Directors of the Union 8.8. Company. At the request of the officers of the Company the Hon George McLean has agreed to confer with them this evening in connection with the dispute. Christchurch, last The officers of the Waka'ipu, Tekapo, Colae, Dingodea, and Takapuna have left tin vessels. Their places will be immediately filled. The second and third officers of the Takapuna, with the officers from the Colae. Tekapo, and Wakatipu, met the Hon. G. McLean on Saturday night. He advised them to go to Wellington and hold a conference with the Directors of the Company. They refused, but offered to go to Dunedin.

The Wharf Laborers’ Union have decided to block produce shipped by the Farmers’ Co-operative Association to Messrs G. G. Stead, Kaye, and Carter, because gentlemen concerned in those firms made themselves very prominent in the proceedings on Saturday. i

The Takapuna and' Tekapo were being unloaded by amateurs, who showed themselves more expert than before. About 30 members of the Amateur Athletic Club went to Lyttelton on Saturday afternoon, and assisted in coaling the's s. Mamari. Large numbers of Christchurch people visited Lyctelton during the day, but there was no disturbance, although extra police were on duty. It, is stated that fresh officers have been found for the Takapuna, and that the Union Company expect to get officers for the other boats. The firemen of the R.M.9. Kaikoura were ordered to shovel coal on the hulks for the s.s. Duke of Westminster on Saturday afternoon. They held a meeting, and declined to do it. The result was hailed with cheers by the men on the hulk afid wharf.

On Saturday night the Canterbury Trades’ and Labor Council passed resolutions calling on Unionists to hold fast to their principles in the present crisis, expressing entire confidence in the Maritime Council, to whom it promises moral and financial assistance, and stating that the Council considers that the matters in dispute should be submitted to arbitration, Dunidin, last night

Mr Donald Reid’s ordinary hands having refused to convey produce to the Te Anau, he sent for his hands from the country ; thess attempted this morning to tike the produce up tho wharf, but after loading tho dray they were set on by the crowd, who emptied tho contents into the street. The Te Arnau had 50 tons of cargo on board when the trouble arose on the wharf. The contretemps is said to have been occasioned by a few young men, and the Unionists disclaim all responsibility. Mr Millar has issued placards freely, enjoining Unionists to observe order and refrain from violence, and give support to the authorities. The Mayor has intimated that if the obstruction is repeated he will swear in special constables, and read the Riot Act. Three persons were slightly injured. The steamer Herald’s crew left the boat this morning. On dit that the railway hands arc to have a ballot returnable on Wednesday, to see what action shall be taken.

There is much excitement in the neighborhood. On Saturday two headlines were wilfully cut.

The Maritime Council have called out the draymen and storemen. The cooks and stewards had a stormy meeting on Saturday, and after the President left the chair, there was carried by 43 to 15 a resolution agreeing not to- work with free laborers. The executive intend taking a ballot as to whether they shall come out at the Bluff.

On the arrival of the Manapouri this morning the wharf laborers were willing to work cargo, though not coal, but the Union Company refused to engage them on these terms.

About 16 free laborers came to port from Invercargill by the morning train under engagement to the Union Company, but most of them were induced by Union men to join their side in the struggle. A few free laborers started work, but as soon as they went into the steamer’s hold the sailors came out, but resumed work on the withdrawal of free laborers. There has been no hostile demonstration so far. When the Union Company’s manager found the free laborers had joinpd the other side he asked the Unionists to work the steamer, which they are willing to do provided the Union Company withdraw the coal off the wharf and discharge it ashore. The Union Company refused to comply with this request, The steamer ig now working tho cargo with her own crew, the railway men receiving it into trucks. There are about 2,000 sacks of grain on the wharf for shipment by the Manapouri, and fifty tons of Nightcap coal. At present all work is suspended. To morrow the principal merchants and clerks go down to work the cargo.

THE POSITION IN GISBORNE. The arrival yesterday morning of the Waihora, from Auckland, and the Wairarapa, from South, led to many conjectures being formed as to what the outcome would be locally. ‘ It was taken as a matter of course that the lumpers would decline to work, and Mr Johnson had been called out from the launch Snark, but it - was known that there would be no diffi culty in procuring volunteer labor if it was required to load and unload the Gisborne goods. It was stated that numbers of country people would come in, if required, and volunteer to do the work. The concensus of opinion seems to be against the

way trade has been paralysed, and there is loud grumbling at the increase that has already taken place and is expected in the price of breadstuff's and fuel. There was not a great deal of cargo to be landed, and n© special call was made for volunteers. Only two or three men were to be got, the men abouc the wharf all seeming to be in sympathy with the strike, or at any rate not caring to mix themselves up with the trouble in any way. Mr Dougherty himself did the work of shoving off the Snark and hauling in the ropes, Captain Neil and Mr McConville, the engineer, keeping to their posts. The Waihora was delayed until last evening, when she got away all right. Quite .a comical spectacle was presented on board the two vessels that arrived in the bsy. The fine tody of men that previouely manned the Union Ocmpany’a boats had given way to quite a different type of men', many of them having the larrikin breed stamped upon their countenance®. Some lolled about the decks clothed in shabby genteel coats, and with an air of importance cxpeoiorettd or equiitCd tobacco juice about with a liberality that sfroul<i be nauseating to any but there who were of »he same stamp. i A frw goad men there were, quite up to the I old standurd !h th'flli jCnce, it hot in skill.

but taken as a whole the free laborers were a sorry lot, and tha officers we*o not to be envied. A number of the men who were taken on at Auckland got seasick, end made things uncomfortable for the more expeiienced ones. One mm shipped as a greaser got scared at the working of the telegraph in tho engine rooms and declared he did not understand that sort of clock. One officer said he would not remain with such men directly he could geL off at a large port. The captains aro confident that they will be able to get the crews into working order before long, and that the present difficulties will soon bo overcome. Private telegrams received indicate that tho Unionists are very corfilent of carrying their point. Enrolling of new members is being carried on with great vigor. Stocks of breads!offs are running low in . town. There has been a great rush upon tradesmen by individuals who wi h to lay in stocks, and in some instances it has been deemed advisable not to supply the full amount of orders, in face of the possibilities that are opened up. There has of course been a material increase in prices. In regard to fad, there is not likely to be much inconvenience respecting that required for hous--hold purposes. The fine weather has allowed the roads to dry so that plenty of firewood will soon bq available.

YESTERDAY’S IMPORTS. Per Waihora-1 case, W. Wright ; 1 4414 Barnard ; 8 cases, 1 pci. Rosie ; 3 rolls. 1 pc\ Wingate, Burns and Co. ; 1 case, Garrett Bros. ; 2 cases. Harrop and Co.; 1 case, 1 I drum. 2 corn shelters, Common, Shelton and ■ Co.; lObdls iron, 1 case, Parnell and C». ; 5 - octaves, Iqr cask, U.S.B. Co.; 20sacksflotr, 60 1001 b sacks flour, 80 50’b sacks floor, L. and M. A. Co.; 3 cases, McLernon ; 1 case, W. Parnell; 1 keg yeast, Adair ; B S cases, Walters. Per Wairarapa—l case slashers, order; 1 pci, 1 crate, L. and M.A, Co.; 4 easel tea. Robb.

Messrs Whitby and Partington shipped 36 sacks potatoes per Wairarapa yesterday. The following articles were exported per Waihora yesterday afternoon; —l6 sacks onions, 1 sack sesd, Orr; 9 oas’p, Whitby and Partington; 3 pkgs, 1 case fruit, U.S.B. Co.

Tho Bill introduced into the New South W'-les Assembly enacts that whereas a combination of workers in any trade or employment under the name of Unions, or Trade Unions, for the purpose of obtaining from their employers redress of grievances existing or alleged tn exis\ ought to be sustained by law, hut adequate protection ought squally bv law to be Rff >rded laborers and o’her* who being non-Uniouists, have contracted to perform Work for such employers against undue solicitation and obstruction. Be it therefore enacted as follows OlauM 1. Whosoever, without lawful cause, prevents or endeavours to prevent any person from performing any work which he has undertaken to perform, or without lawful oatteei indooM or endeavors to induce any such person not tn perform or not to enter on the performsnot of such work, shill on qonvicjioa be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month, or to a fine not exceeding £5; and whosoever, by any threat, or by force, or in pursuance of any conspi cy or co nblnaUoßt is guilty of any such off -«s, oha I lon conviction be liabTf.to imprisonment with or without hard labor fora term not exceeding sit months, or a fine not exceeding £2O. Clause 2—Wh’i, on Mai of indictment under the latter portion of the preceding* section the matter of aggrava’ion alleged is not proved, accused may be acquitted thereof and found ' ?ilty of the mi nr offence charged if the evidence warrants such finding, and may be sentenced by the Court accordingly. A curious story of what some employe. 1 * are capable of, comes from the South Island respecting the bovootting of Whitcombs and Tomba’ publication. A child brought intp H Rtationer’s shop a copy book she had pips chased, saying her father had sent her back with it, as he would not let her u<»e anything published by that firm. A gentleman who was in the shop asked the child her name, and on finding that her father was in hie employ discharged the man, who is now out of work,