WELLINGTON TRADES' COUNCIL.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 11955, 6 August 1904, Page 3

WELLINGTON TRADES' COUNCIL.

CONDEMNS- GOVERNMENT ACTION

I ' (SPKCIAI. TO "TDK PRESS.'! ! WELLINGTON, August 5. Mr Seddon is likely to fare rather badly Jit the hands of the looal tradea' unionists. The Trades Council lact night protested that the Premier woe constantly ignoring tho requeste of deputations for interviews, and subsequently proceeded w attack the system of distribution' of coal from the State mine. One speaker, Mr Young, said the workers understood that the Government would supply the general public direct as eoon ns the output of the mines was large enough. Now, to the general astonishment, it was found that a private company had been formed in Wellington to retail coal at practically tho same prices charged for other coal. The position was, that after thousands of pounds of the people's money had been roinra -the Government was selling coal to a private company, and the company was selling it back to the people at a huge profit. The whole thing was a public scandal. "Another speaker stated that th© Premier had promised a deputation of workers that ha would establish coal yards in the various centres, aftd supply the public at reasonable prices. He should be reminded, of tho promise.

A resolution strongly protesting against, the system adopted waa passed, and a hint conveyed that if no satisfaction wae forthcoming aiv indignation meeting would be called. /