KNIGHTS OF LABOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 118, 19 May 1892, Page 9

KNIGHTS OF LABOUR.

MEETING AT NEWMARKET.

A ruBMC meeting of the Knights of Labour was held in tho Hnll, Newmarket), last evening, Mr E. Withy in the chair. Among' thoso present wore Mr F. Lnwry, M.H.R., Dr. Beale, W. Boeimn (Clmirinun of tho Liberal Association), Mr Adam Kolly, Mr Fronch {Into D.M. W., Kniphts of Labour), Messrs Beatbio.Oioinonts, Hunnigan, Armitage, and about GO others. Tho Chairman said that although nob a member of the Knights of Labour, lie was in sympathy with most of their programme, and wenb on to show that organisations such as the Knights were of great benefit to the community, more particularly as they did not countenance " strikes," but instead urged resort to conciliation and arbitration. It was pointed out thab tho Knights aro not, strictly speaking, a political body. They even did not depend on "party," bub were of opinion that all reforms should take riso ab the "ballot box." Mr Withy wished to see tho day when Party Government would be done away with, contending thab in a country like this it waa out of place, and'noc suited to thoir requirements. Mr Withy then touched on the land question, showing that land monopoly was at the root of most of tho evils wo Buffer from, and was severe on thoso who do not work or produce, bub live on the toil of others. Mr Withy was frequently, applauded during his address. Mr French next addressed tho meeting, pointing out the aims and objects of the Knights of Labour, with tho view to open n local Assembly in Newmarket. Mr French quoted largely from Mr Powderly's work— "Thirty Years of Labour in America," and from the preamble and declarations of principles of tho Knights of Labour. Mr Adam Kelly spoko on the land question and .single tax. He said thab occupancy arid use should bo the only title, and that land should have only its using, nob its speculative value. Mr Kelly quoted from a book called " The Old Order .and the Now," in order to bear out hi 3 contention. -■.;■.:-.'..-■••!,;:..

This ended a pleasant meeting. 'Msj§