THE FURNITURE TRADES CONGRESS.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14293, 2 March 1912, Page 10

THE FURNITURE TRADES CONGRESS.

t-RESS ASSOCIATION T-LEGRAM.) DUNEDIN, March 1. At the sitting of the Furniture Trades Congress it was resolved, without discussion, that the Congress consider the advisability of affiliated unions cancelling their registration under the Conciliation and Arbitration Act. A long minute trom Auckland describing the Arbitration Act. aa a cunning tool against the workers, and declaring that the Court was usually presided over by a class-biassed judge, was negatived on the numerical strength of the unions. Tho voting was. 171 for and 406 against. " . : . It was resolved:—'"That no agent bo permitted to ..appear bofore the Conciliation Council without , the consent df all parties." It was decided: "That in the opinion of Congress any party to the award not appearing before tho Conciliation Council should not be heard before the Arbitration Court." Tho Congress discussed the grievances of time books and the sheet system, now generally in vogue, with a view to their being adjusted. Mr Sullivan moved—"That the various unions bo recommended to appoint committeos consisting of all" branches of the trade, to go into the matter and try and decide a reasonable and just time for a job to be done in." The motion was carried. A motion in favour of shortening the working day from' eight hours to seven was defeated, as also was a motion, to compel employers to instal machinery for cleaning carpets. Mr Silverstone' moved in favour of taking a referendum on the question of the Federation affiliating with the Federation of Labour.

Mr Sulhvan moved as an amendment "That Profes&or Mills's unity scheme bo substituted for the Federation of Labour."

The amendment was lost, only two delegates voting for it. The motion was also lost, only the Dunedin delegates supporting it. Mr Sullivan then moved:—"That the Congress approve of the ' principles of Professor W. T. Mills's unity sdieme, and bo represented.at the Easter Conference of that body." This was lost, only two delegates supporting it. • Mr Walls moved:— "That the Congress; resolve that the Federation, shall enter into no agreements with employers for more than two years." This was carried. . It was resolved .—"That the Government bo requested .to bring in a clause to define when a worker was deemed to be dismissed." "That unions be recommended to include in'their membership such branches of trade as aro not already -included." "That a duty be placed on foreign goods manufactured by sweated" labour, fio as to prevent competition with locally made articles." It was decided to hold the next Conference in Christchurch. This concluded tho Conference.'