CENTRAL WAIROA GUMDIGGERS' LOCAL UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 161, 8 July 1895, Page 3

CENTRAL WAIROA GUMDIGGERS' LOCAL UNION.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Central Wairoa Gumdiggers' Local Union was held at Dargaville on the evening of Saturday, the 29fch June, Mr W. H. Fitz■patrick presiding. Mr Win, Redman of farnell was appointed as one of the Union's rd'|fe'gSfres "' oh "'" the Trades and Labour. Gouiicil; The Union was informed that) the proprietors of a private gumfield had given diggers notice to discontinue gardening. There are, it was stated, a great many old men on the gumfieldaall over the Auckland .diatricb who grow a few vegetables, and these vegetables assist them very materially as they reduce their cost of living. In a great many cases if these old men are prevented from growing a few vegetables; to sab, they will have to seek charitable aid. The Gumdiggers' Union is endeavouring to get the Truck.Act extended so thab the diggers in private fields will come within its provuions, and to do this effectually, the digger should have a fixeby of tenure, providing he does nob break the law. The Union admits that every owner of gumhnds is justly entitled to a royalty from each digger digging on his gumland, but considers thab should be the extent of the proprietor's claim. When a royalty is charged the digger knows" exactly what Charges are made against his earnings, bub he objects to being compelled to ■buy hia stores and sell his gum to the 'proprietors or some particular person or V fitore. He naturally claims that he should ! bo entitled to the advantage of the open »»rket for making his purchaaeß.-rA corj- tupondent. . .