KNIGHTS OF LABOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 137, 11 June 1889, Page 2

KNIGHTS OF LABOUR.

The adjourned meeting of those interested in the formation of .a local branch of the Knights of„ Labour was held last night. There was a large attendance, over seventy being present. Mr C. S. Wright occupied the chair. At his request Mr Farnall read the rules and: by-laws of tbo uhristchurch Knights of Labour, which, after careful consideration, he thought exactly met their wants. In reply to Mr White, the Chairman said that the Knights of Labour were intended to assist, not to supersede trade unions. It would have a political significance. The principal is" to obtain, if possible, a fair share of the profits of labour for working men, and to do away with strikes as far as possible. Mr Faraail «n.H that the Knights would have more political power and work more in politics than trade unions do. The Chairman then read out the princr* pal poinK or the rules and regulations of the Kni^iv " T' ntl ur in the United States. MrJL ~ W. . ..1 was elected secretary, and Mr Fr«;.-'. r'«asurer pro tern. In reply to „ £ÜBRtie-,:, the Chairman said that the union of the Society, when formed, with other societies would be a matter for the Committee. He thought himself that when fche Society was formed, instant steps should be taken to join with the Chriatchurch Knights of Labour, and gradually form an organisation that would spread throughout Now Zealand. These opinions were greeted with applause. Preparatory to forming the Society, all those in favour of joining gave in their names and paid their entrance fee of Is. Three of those present were busily engaged for some time in enrolling members, and when all present who intended joining had handed in their namea the roll numbered 33.

Ib was announced that Mr Thomas, grocer, Ponsonby Road, and Mr French, grocer, Karangahapo Road, would receive the names of members and their subscriptions ab their shops during the week. There was some discussion as to the adopting of the rules. Some were in favour of adopting the rules of the Christchurch organisation in ioto, others wanted the Committee and officers elected, who would revise the rules. Mr French spoke on the matter, and pointed out the absurdity ot 43 members electing a third of their number as officers. He thought they should defer the election until their members numbered 200. They should canvass all the suburbs, and work their hardest to scatter their principles and obtain members. It was suggested that they should have a committee pro tern. Finally it was decided to proceed with the election of officers and committee, who are to hold office for six months.

The election of officers resulted as follows :—President, Mr C. S. Wright ; VicePresidents, Messrs S. White, G. W. Limburne; Treasurer, Mr French; Secretary. Mr H. W. Farnall; Committee, Messrs Neylon, Cowley, Hooper, Dean, McKinney, E. J. Thomas, Wilcox, Noddcr, G.. Smith, Froude, Vester, H. Roper. It was decided that these should draft the rules to be submitted to the next meeting of the Society to be held in a fortnight. A "draft copy of the rules will be printed for distribution among tho members for consideration.

A resolution wa3 passed by which an account on behalf of the Society is to be opened at the Auckland Savings Bank, and providing how ib was to be operated on.