INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 74, 29 March 1899, Page 3

INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of employers of labour was held at three o'clock yesterday afternoon in the Chamber of Mines in response to invitations issued by the Chamber of Commerce. There were present: Messr3 John Burns (chairman), J. Trenwith, H. Green! Dearsley, Parker, T. Pollard1, T. H. White, J. Leyland, Richard, De Bur?, D. Goldie, Niell, Mitchell, R. Tudehope, Colwell, Macky, J. Brown, J. L. Holland, IT. M. .Smeeton, G. Powley, J. Henderson, H. W. Smith, Herbert Roberton, Bagnall, Ewington and S. Vaile.

In opening the business the Chairman said the meeting had been called in consequence of a resolution passed some time ago asking the Chamber of Commerce to call a meeting for the purpose of forming an industrial association.

Mr Leyland (L. 08. Timber Co.) saldl it was agreed by all that it was necessary to have such an association.

The Chairman said the interests of employers and employees were identical. The tendency of recent legislation was greatly towards modifying that feeling of common interest that formerly existed, between masters and men. He was satisfied the association was a necessity for their interests were in common.

Mr G. Powley said he was entirely In accord with the proposal to form an industrial association. He had no friction at any time with his employees, but had been drawn in by unions. It wa,s hei considered necessary for employers to combine and form an association.

Mr Goulstone read letters from Messrs L. D. Nathan, R. Salmon and the Colqnial Sugar Refining Co. in favour of forming such an association.

Mr Colwell thought what they wanted was an association to assist in protecting masters against the labour legislation of the day. The question of free trade versus protection might also crop up in time. Personally he was rather in favour of leaving alone any legislation to foster or hamper industries.

The Chairman said their Industrie* were something like Diogenes. All they wanted was to be left alone as far as legislation was concerned; in fact that Government should stand 'out of their light.'

Mr H. C. Bagnall moved: 'That it ia desirable in the interests of those engaged in industries in the Province of Auckland that an industrial association be formed.' Mr T. Herbert seconded the motjon. Mr Ewington suggested that all people, engaged in trade should jpin the association, so, as tp give it numerica} strength and commercial influence. It .would- bo neither a chamber of commerce nor an employers' association.

Mr S. Vaile agreed with Mr Ewingtpn that employers of labour" of any kind should be in the association, Ke thought as many of the workers as possible should be got -to join, the' association.- Jf they could get a large number of workers join, ed with them it would give great strength to the association.

The motion was then agreed to. Mr D. Goldie suggested that before names of members were taken tlje rules should be submitted at another meeting; Mr Cplwell supported this view " t^T^V* WaS reSOlv^ pn <*c W°. Setth f ? ngton <That this meetin's elect the fojlow ng committee to draft rules for the association: Messrs £ Tf Green, G. Powley, T. Pollard, D. Goldie Parker M. Clarke, Colwell, MitcheU, LeyI"! *l£. CralS. T. Hodgson, Phllson; T. White, Herbert, F. G. Ewington and H M. Smeeton. Mr Goulstpne, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce was appointed convener, ' . ' Ryff-WrWr