KNIGHTS OF LABOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 16, 20 January 1892, Page 2

KNIGHTS OF LABOUR.

A duly-advertised public meeting was held on Monday night at the Huntly Schoolroom, with the object of forming a branch of the Knights of Labour Association at Huntly. The school bell having been rung, there was soon a full house. Mr Peek was voted to the chair.

Dr. Beale said the labour organisation was formed with the object of admitting all classes, those who employed their brains and those whq. worked., with their hands. It taught them to respect themselves in order that others might respect them, and that they should havo discipline instead of strike?. He then called upon Mr French to read a pamphlet, " Thirty Years' Labour," by Mr Powderly. Cardinal Manning had recommended a term of engagem and referred to the Trade Union Act ot _874, that thr Motherhood united capital and labor:?,gi\ ..ig them equal rights andmaJEitainingthedignity of labour. The order was founded by John Wright, in the year 1869, he being dissatisfied with trade union 3, resolving to form_ a new order which was not a political party, although exercising considerable political influence, and admitting both sexes. America had lost in live years i' 20,000,000 by strikes and lock-outs. Initiation fee, 4s ; monthly subscription, 9d. Lawyers, stock-brokers, saloonists, bankers were not admitted in the brotherhood. Tho brotherhood was the capitalist's best friend. Dr. Broome arose and asked whether he knew of any method of eradicating weeds, as there were as many weeds in Huntly as in many other places. Mr French replied that this was not a pulpit, but a platform. Dr. Broome replied that they might very soon see these weeds under culture develop into the most beautiful and gorgeous flowers. (Loud applause.) A number of questions were asked, and answered to the entire satisfaction of nil present. A number of the men signified their willingness to join a local assembly if formed, and it was ultimately arranged that the names of those willing to tako a part in etsablishing the Order hero should be lett with Messrs Carless and Graham. Copies of the journal of the Knights of Labour and other literature were distributed amongst the men present, which will, no doubt, lead to good results.