TRADES AND LABOUR COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 31, 5 February 1894, Page 2

TRADES AND LABOUR COUNCIL.

On Saturday evening, the Trades and Labour Council held their usual meeting in the Foresters' Hall, Karangahape Road. There was a fair attendance of delegates, and Mr James Regan occupied the chair. The revised rules of the Council were adopted. The National Association.—A letter was read from the Secretary of tbe National Association of.New Zealand to the effect that the latter body were of opinion that good results might result from a discussion between the Council and the Association on bhose poinbs of policy on which bhey ab presenb differ, and suggesting bhat a conference should be held for bhab purpose. After some deliberation bhe Council decided' thab a deputation from their body Should confer with the National Association on a date fixed on by the latter.

Land por the People.—As of late several working men have applied bo the Council for information as to the besb means to be pursued to geb land for settling on in the North Island, a lebber was forwarded to the Governmenb on bhe subjecb by the organisation a shorb time ago. The following ia bhe reply which was received :— ** Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, 23rd January, 1894. Sir, —In reply bo your letter ot 19th December last, with reference to land for settlement, I have the honour to forward herewith two pamphlets and map. The Land Guide is now being printed, and a copy will be sent to your address as soon as the Guide ia published.—l have, etc., A. Barron, Under-Secretary, To Mr Thomas Tudehope, Secretary Trades and Labour Council, Auckland." Ib was resolved thab bhe Secretary should wribe to the Governmenb, thanking bhem for the information.

The Gumdigging Question.—A letter to the Council from tbo Gumdiggers' Executive Committee at Dargaville was read in which the Commibbee solicited the influence and assistance ot the Auckland Trades and Labour Council towards securing bhe necessary reforms in bhe regulation of bhe gum traffic The measures which in bhe opinion of the Committee were necessary for the protection of the gumdiggers who, ib was stated, are ab presonb lefb to bhe mercy of the country storekeeper and town merchant, are: First, the restriction of gumdigging rights to British subjects, so as to prevent an influx of aliens, wibh the attendant evils of undue competition, over-production, and the withdrawal from the colony of the large sums of money annually remitted by these intruders bo bheir friends at home. Secondly, amendment of bhe Truck Acb, eons bo include the gumdigging industry within its provisions. Tbe lebber pointed out thab ab present the Truck Acb does not apply to gumlielda, and that bhe diggers are helplessly dependenb on tho fieldowners and storekeepers. The Committee maintain that all gumtielda should be worked on free trade principles, a royalty only being payable, by the digger to the proprietors of the land. For the same reason tbey contend that all gum lands ab presenb in the hands of the Crown should be reserved, or if alienated should be so dealt with subject to gumdigging rights. They are, moreover, of opinion thab the gum industry can never be properly fostered, nor can the digger be fully protected from imposition and injustice unbil all gumtielda now in private hands are resumed by their State. A copy of the platform adopted by the Committee was enclosed with tbe letter, and the writers expressed a hope bhat the Council would assisb bhe gumdiggers, and make representations to tho Governmenb on their behalf. It waß resolved thab a reply should be sent reminding the Commibbee of the efforts of tbe Governmenb laab session, and expressing the willingnesß of the Council to assist.

Labour Legislation.—The Council decided to obtain a list of the labour meusutes to be introduced nexb ses&ion so aa to be able to present cbem before tbe Conference of Tradea Council which takes place here at Easter.