EMPLOYERS' ASSOCIATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 131, 4 June 1901, Page 3

EMPLOYERS' ASSOCIATION.

THE NECESSITY FOR COMF.TN.V TIOiN.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day

The Employers' Union purpose opening a sort of employers' bureau in the city where they may meet to discuss matters affecting interests and concert combined measures. A paper by Mr J. A. Frostick laid before the Wellington branch of the Employers' Association advocates co-operation with Christchurch. He declares that delay in this direction has caused the interests* of employers to be disregarded by organisations of workers, and the present position is one of great danger to both employers and employees alike. Mr Frostick further invites the moral support of the Wellington Association to the Canterbury Association in their determination to resist th_ demand for the production of books before the Court of Arbitration. He says that "the unions will not hesitate to make demands for the production of anything to support their case, and this proposal to divide profits without any suggestion to divide losses is one-sided, and it is a matter for surprise that any man commercially trained should suggest that such a state of things could obtain even in this country. To say that the information will be kept secret is mere speculation. There is nothing binding upon outside parties, and Whilst there might not be such a serious objection to the judge visiting any establishment he thought fit and asking for special information to guide him in giving weight to evidence submitted, yet to bring those books into open Court is altogether inconsistent with business life; besides, the unions would only serve summonses upon known successful firms, and if the awards were based upon these results, what about the ability of other employers to comply with the award of the Court? Further, the avowed policy of modern trades unionism is co-operative production and distribution; but objection i.s taken to the production of books which would enable the workmen to discover their employers' accounts." He goes on to say: "Time will not permit me to refer at any length to the work of the Canterbury Association. We have now about 260 members, employing about COQO hands. Our secretary, with his assistant, gives all his time to the work of the Association. In order to make the work most effective trade sections are formed, and each of these sections manages its own affairs and has the use of rooms and the service of the secretary free, this being provided for by the ordinary fees to the Association. The President and two Vice-Presidents are members of each trade section. The retailers' section deals with (a) holidays to be observed, (b) terms of credit, (c) collection of debts,' (d) abolition of gifts to picnics and bazaars. The necessity for co-operation has been clearlyshown. A tremendous force is being raised against employers which can only be met by a similar combination. Alii classes of employers are brought under tbe Act, and any help and assistance we may be able tb render to our fellows, provided it is based upon upright and fair lines, must be of satisfaction to ourselves, even though at the moment no personal benefit can be determined."