OPENING OF THE MINERS' UNION HALL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 206, 29 August 1905, Page 3

OPENING OF THE MINERS' UNION HALL.

■ m ■ (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WAIHI, Monday. The official opening of the new hali built by the Waihi Miners' Union took place on Saturday evening. The proceedings look the shape of a smoke concert. There were present an exceptionally large number of local members and also members and visitors from the Waikino branch. —mongst those present were the president of the union (Mr J. Newth), the officers of the Waikino branch, the Mayor (Mr T. Gilmour;, Messrs K. E. Williams (general manager Waihi G.M. Co.). T. Johns (manager Waihi Extended mine), C. L. Clarke (secretary School of Mines), H. T. Armstrong. J. E. Slevin (secretaryi, and other officers of the union. The President, in his opening speech, gave some interesting particulars of the progress of the local union and unionism in general. He said the union in the first place had purchased the property for £550, and they had since expended a further sum of £700, making a total of £1250. Thus it was that the present up-to-date building, which was a credit to the union, had cost them £1r.'50. The union, since it had severed its connection with the Tnames three years ago, had expended £1581. During that period there had been eight fatal accidents, for which £40<) had been paid. It had been askf'd what were the benefits of unionism. The results of the working of their own union during the past few years were a sufficient answer. He did uot see why the union should run against the employer. Both could and should work together harmoniously. The Arbitration Court, he contended, was both a serviceable and useful institution. He was aware that there were some who disagreed with him ou that point. He thought that disputes were too frequently referred to arbii tration, rendering unnecessary expense. The I better plan was to settle matters iv dis- ; j pute amicably between the parties them- j J selves, without resorting to the Arbitration Court. lie would now ask the Mayor to j open the hall. j The Mayor said he was pleased and hon- j | oured to he a guest there that night. He j j had just heard from the previous speaker ! that there were many present who had as- ! slated in the erection of miners" union halls ■in tbe province. He could endorse'this, as ! tie too recognised faces present that had | assisted in such work. The present buildI ing reflected credit on the Miners" Union | and the members themselves. It was a fine building, and one that was very much ! wanted in Waihi. He would now declare j the hall duly opened. (Applause.) j Mr Donaldson (president of the Waihi branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation), in responding to the toast of that j organisation, said that if the Liberal and ! Labour League were to be a success, which Ihe hoped it would, they would have to i combine. Organisation was essential in the j best interests of tbe workers. This was obvious to all thinking men of the world. I When the interests of the capitalists were j assailed, they combined to help and protect I themselves. The speaker referred at some j length to the present Government, and ; spoke on the grand results which had acI crued to the colony through the passing iof the liberal laws. Personally he would i Igo miles ahead of the present Libera! and i Labour Federation platform; but they must ! be reasonable, and progress must be in ac- j «. ordaiice with the condition of things as j they now existed. He predicted the time j when they would have a branch of the; league in every town in New Zealand, i (Applause.) j The toast of "The Mining Industry"' was | responded to by Mr Williams, manager of j the Waihi G.M. Co., who said he thought that the tignres from the big mine spoke for themselves. He took it that everybody present was more or less connected with i mining. They would all be delighted if the ! reef svsrtem of the Waihi mine were to be i found" in all the adjoining properties. He I knew the difficulties attached to the deveI lopmeut of poor mines, and there was a i necessity for a good class of men. Without good miners the difficulties were greatly increased. He complimented tbe union on their splendid building: it was a credit to any town. It was gratifying to have the assurance that a good feeling subsisted between managers and the Miners' Union. and he hoped that good feeling wonld always contlnne. lie had met the Miners' Fnion committees on several occasions to discuss matters, and they were not back- | I ward in asking what they thought they i were entitled to get. (Applausc.y Mr Flett. in responding to the toast of •'The Waikino Branch," urged all unionists to combine and guard their interests judiciously. He remarked that in six months they would have to go before Mr Williams, and he hoped, that a conference of all the miners' unions in the peninsula would take place. In nnythim: the Waihi Union took in hand for the advancement of unionism, the Waikino branch would be behind them. (Applause.) -V niiTiber of other toasts wore also duly honoured, and the proceedings were interspersed by musical items. Mr T. Gardner presided at the piano. The function terminated close on midnight.