ABSTRACT
Interruption of work, consequent upon squabbles about lines of demarcation, had alternated with disputes in regard to wages, which had been subject to extreme fluctuation. The attitude of mind on both sides is the clue to much which, to the average uninformed person, seemed inexplicable during the dispute and in the discussion of the events immediately preceding it. It has been stated since the dispute, and by the Secretary of one of the small sectional Unions with which the Engineering Trade is pestered, that the A.S.E. The Employers were straining every nerve to widen the area of dispute, and their Executive deluged the conceding and other firms with circulars, &c. Similar successful demonstrations and meetings were held all over the country during the continuance of the dispute. The meeting was one of great enthusiasm, and much was expected from it; but the outcome was disappointing, as instead of increased support there was a decided falling off in voluntary subscription.
