THE SWEATING SYSTEM.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 135, 8 June 1889, Page 5

THE SWEATING SYSTEM.

MEETING AT DUNEDIN,

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunedin, Friday. A large and enthusiastic meeting was held this evening, to consider the sweating system. The report of the committee appointed at a meeting some time back was read, and stated that after lengthy nogotiation the warehousemen declined the propo&als submitted to them, which were that a minimum scale be adopted under which workers could earn fair wages ; and that in giving out work to contractors, warehousemen and merchants should obtain a guaranbee thab the contractor should pay the workers nob less than tariff rates, and anyone violating this, work should be withdrawn until reparation was made. The following resolutions were carried : —(1) " That the Government be requested to appoint a commission to inquire into tho sweating system in this and other bowns of the colony, and reporb as bo bhe besb mebhod of dealing with the whole subject." (2)"Thateiiortebe made bo form a union of bailoresses, shirt machinists, finishers and pressers," such union to bo called the ' Tailoresses' Union of New Zealand.' " 'The following were appointed a Committee to give effect to the foregoing resolutions : — Sir R. Stout, Hons. W. H. Reynolds, Fitchetb, Stewart and Allen, M.H.R.'s; the Presidents of the Societies.' Reform Association, Tailors' Union, Trades and Labour Council, Carpenters' Association, Boot Manufacturers', Maitland and Wishart.

In connection with the sweating system ib may be sbabed bhat bhe warehousemen gave as a reason for nob agreeing with a minimum bariff bhab ib was no use adopbing ib in Dunedin unless ib was also adopted in other parts of the colonies, as work would go there. The Rev. Mr Wad dell, in moving bhe report, threw the blame entirely on the warehousemen for bhe existence of sweating. Ib was in their power to stop it, but they declined to do so, and were chargeable with sharing indirectly in tho profits promised by the system. Sir R. Stout, in proposing tho first resolution, dwelt on the importance of recognising bhe rights of people as well as property, and of the need of a Union among workers. Dr. Fibchebb, M.H.R., seconded bhe mobion. Mr J. M. Fraser proposed bhe adoption of bhe boy. cobt, but in deference to the opinion of Mr Waddell, withdrew the motion, amidst great cheering and excibemenb. Mr George Fenwick announced and denounced bhe firm who was bhe cause of the existence of the sweating system in Dunedin. A number/of obher speeches were made.