CONFERENCE OF UNIONS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15014, 8 July 1914, Page 3

CONFERENCE OF UNIONS.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, July 7. Tho conference of unions convened by tho Cnit&d Federation of Labour for the purpose of considering the solidifying of the forces of labour and affiliation with tho recently-formed Australian Federation of Labour opened at tho Masonic Hall to-day, there being somo seventy delegates present. The following ia the. official "report of tho proceedings supplied to the Press:—Tho conference met at.lo o'clock this morning, eeventy-four delegates being presont. .Further -delegates will arrivo to-day and to-morrow, bringing tho total number, it is expected, up to about 100. . , ~ ~' .., Mr J Dowgray, vice-president of tho United Federation of Labour, welcomed tho delegates. ■: ' Mr J. Rigg, ex-M.L.C, was elected chairman, and Mr D. J. Sullivan, representing the Canterbury .Furniture Trades Union, deputy-chairman, and Mr P. H. Hickey was appointed becrotary. . _

It was decided that with tho" exception of the "Maoriland "Worker" representative, the Press be not admitted. The following were appointed a. Press Committeo'to furnish tho official report: —Messrs A. Rosser, J. Donnelly, C. Smith, J Totvrfsond, and Read. > ' . ... : Tho time for speakers was limited to five minutee each. Messrs M. Faga-H, R. A. Simpson, and G. Stone .were appointed. a r Credentials Committeo to examine tho credentials of all delegates, to sco that only bona fide representatives were present. Mr Rosser moved a hearty voto of welcome +•> tho Labour memliers of Parliament, who were- "present on fho platform. Tho members present wero Messrs. P Webb. J. Payne, J. M<sCombs, and J. Robertson. Tho vote was carried by acclamation, and Mr Robertson replied. It' was decided that the four members named, with the addition of Messrs W. A. Veitch and A.IB: Hindmarsh, be allowed to take part in tho deliberations of tho Conference. ! Mr iJ»• JDowgray- was appointed , timokeepe'f. ■'••■■••■ ■ • ; ■ - - ■ •'• •■- ■>'• • At tho afternoon sitting, all the dolegates present were accepted as members of the Conference. A special committee was eet up to draft recommendations to be confined to an industrial form of organisation, and the Conference adjourned.