MEETING OF SHIPOWNERS AND OTHERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 236, 7 October 1886, Page 2

MEETING OF SHIPOWNERS AND OTHERS.

Tbo Lumpers' Union to bo Ignored.

A meeting of shipowners, stevedore?, &c, was held at tho New Zealand Shipping Company's offices this afternoon, to consider what stops it wag most advisable to take with rofcrence to the lumpers' strike. There wore present : Mr Hougbton (Auckland Manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company), Captain McGrogor, Mr H. Henderson (Henderson and Macfarlane). Captain 1). H. McKenzie, Mr A. Heather, Captain John McKonzio (stevedore), Captain Kearing (stevedore), Mr Sandcrron (representing Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co.). Mr C. B. Stone, Mr Thos. Henderson (Union Steamship Company), Captain Norris, Mr D. B. Cruickshank. Captain D. H. McKenzie was voted to the chair. Mr Sanderson apologised for the absence of Mr L. D. Nathan.

Tho Chairman, in opening proceedings, eaid he thought it was high time that the dictation of the lumpers should be put a stop to, especially in these dull times. It waa extraordinary and arbitrary that noil-Union men, whs had wives and families dependent upon them, should be precluded from obtaining employment when it was available.

Captain Nearing then explained theaction of the lumpers, as related above. He thought the Lumpers' Union could bo very easily brokon up. It depended on the Union Company to a great extent, beoauee that Company employed the greater portion of the labour. He considered that the Union ought to be ignored, and any men employed oa they might be required. The Chairman was of a similar opinion. They should combine and employ any men, but not give any preference to Union men.

At this stage, Mr Grant, President of the Auckland Trades and Labour Council, entered the room, and asked permieeion to say a few word?. Ho eaid that he had presided at a meeting of lumpers held in the Temperance Hall this morning, and ho had been requestod by them to wait upon the shipowners and stevedores, and explain that the lumpers recognised that they had made a mistake in striking before they had consulted thoTrades and Labour Council, as required by thorules. For his own part, he thought it very unwise in any labouring men to strike against employers of labour at the present very distressing times. Tho Chairman said tbat Mr Grant's statement would be taken into consideration, and on the motion of Mr Heather, ser.ondod by Capt. McGregor, it was carried, "That Mr Grant be thanked for his explanation, but that as this is a private mooting, his attendance is not further required." Mr Grant then withdrew. Mr Thos. Hendoreon said that so far as the Union Company was concerned, it employed solely Union labour when it was available, but if it were found expedient tho Company was prepared to join issue with other ship owners and employ others.

The Chairman thought that the shipowners, outside of the Union Company, could carry on the work efficiently without Union men.

Mr C. B. Stone expressed similar views, and thought that prompt and decisive action should be taken.

Captain Hearing proposed, "That all employers of labour on the wharf bind themselves not to employ Union men aa such after the 19th instant."

Captain John McKenzie seconded the motion.

Mr Thomas Henderson suggested the substitution of the following : — " That this meeting considers the action of the Lumpers' Union in discontinuation of work on the Waltangi unwarrantable, and that in future the shipping agents decline to recognisethe Lumpers' Union."

After some further discussion, the following motion was agreed to and signed by all present, "Resolved that this meeting considers the action of the Lumpers' Union men in discontinuing work at the ship Waitangi unwarranted, and that in futute the shipping agents and other employers of labour on the wharf decline to recogniße or. employ Union men, as such, after Saturday, the 9th instant; and the employers and shipping agents pledge themselves to carry out the above resolution."

The meeting terminated with a vote of thaiiki to the Chairman.