"NOT UPSHOT OF SPLIT."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 151, 28 June 1929, Page 7

"NOT UPSHOT OF SPLIT."

NEW LABOUR MOVEMENT. TRADES AND LABOUR COUNCH. SEVEN UNIONS AFFILIATED. 1 Having as its principal object the organisation of unions who have; no official voice in matters appertaining to industrial affairs, an Auckland Trades and Labour Council, registered under the Incorporated Societies' Act, lias been formed in Auckland. The movement to revive the old Trades and Labour Council, which was absorbed by the Alliance of Labour some two years ago, has proceeded quietly, and the initial meeting of the new body was held last evening, under the. presidency of Mr. A. H. Dixon. Officers were elected pro tem in order that permanent officials might be appointed when other unions affiliate, to do so having been extended to various organisations, including. the Amalgamated Society 1 of. Carpenters and Joiners, who recently decided to secede from the Labour Representation Committee.

At its inaugural meeting the council was assured of strong support. Unions that have already thrown in their lot with it are those representing tile furniture trades, plumbers, gas electricians, cutters and pressers, tailors,general labourers, and rope and twine workers. Those responsible for the genesis of tlie new body wish it to be understood that. the movement is not the upshot of any supposed "split in the labour campj" for, while it proposes "to co-operate with the Labour party as the agency through which the political policy and proposals of the society are to be represented," its main concern is for industrial betterment. Other objects are to offer protection to workers- in cases of oppression; to put into force any scheme for the better guidance and extension of labour organisations; to secure a federation of trades and labour councils throughout New Zealand;, to maintain a spirit of fraternal sympathy with workers of all other countries; to strive for the adoption of a 40-hour week; to oppose legislation detrimental to labour; to promote the extension of national and municipal 'ownership and control; and generally to operate in the interests of workers.

A departure from general trade union procedure will be made by the council, in that it proposes to throw its meetings open for attendance by. the' Press. Usually deliberations are held in camera;, and an oflicial statement is issued subsequently. •