FURNITURE TRADERS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2779, 25 May 1916, Page 7

FURNITURE TRADERS

ANNUAL MEETING OP EMPLOYERS. The annual meeting of 'the New Zealand Furniture Trades Industrial Association o£ Employers was commenced yesterday in the .National Mutual 'Buildings, jud was attended by the followjngMessrs. G. C. Garliclt, president iMktad) H, 11,I 1 , vice-president (Dunedm), W. J. Comlns (AuckWnd), C. •m > a , Plymouth), W. T. Smith (Auckland), W. E. Hayivard (Dunedin), Joseph. Phillips (Hastings), M. Sprigga (JNapier), A. Menzies (Wellington), B. A. Beveridge (Christchurcli). E. Archbold (Chnstchurch), R. W. Green (Wanganui), 3??/ I'v ol * 6 ' (Wellington), S.. S. Wjlliams (Wellington), J; G. Marshall (Wellington), J. Beveridge (Wellington). The report and balance-sheet showed a satisfactory financial position. A vbte~o? thanks, was carried to. Messrs. Cousins, Nees, and Collie . for. their services as assessors in oohne'otion with the: Arbitration Court. ', . The following resolution, moved by Mr. Williams, was'carried unanimously:— 'We, the representatives of 'the NewZealand Furniture, Trades Indnstrial Association. of Employers, in annual meeting: , assembled, desire to express our loyalty to King and country, and our gratification that a National Government has been formed to. control the atfpirs of this Dominion in this time of Empire crisis. We also desire to state that we are prepared to do all that lies in our power to assist in securing such a result to the presents disastrous war as will enablo our Empire to dictate such , terms as wTTI bring about,an honourable and lasting peace."

' It was agreed that the headquarters of the association for nest year should be located in Auckland.

Mr. W. J.-Cousins, of Auckland, was elected president, and .Mr. Ed. Collie, of Wellington, vice-president for the ■ next year; Messrs. . Parkinson,, and Clark; trustees; Mr. Lamb, auditor; .and Mr. W. H. Cooke (Auckland) lion, secretary and treasurer. '

A vote of thanks to tho. retiring president , was. carried unanimously;

It . was agreed that the next anminl meeting should be held rin Christchurch.

Many matters "of interest to tho trade were discussed, and much satisfaction was expressed at the improved relations that had obtained between the various employers 'as a result of the formation of the association. The conference adjourned till 10 a.m. to-day. ' COMPLIMENTARY DINNER. . Last evening, ,a>. complimentary dinner, was tendered by' the Wellington Furniture and Furnishing Industrial Union of Employers to the visiting delegates to tho third annual conference of New Zealand Furniture Trades Industrial Union' of Employers. Mr: S; S. Williams presided, and there was a large, gathering/including representatives of. the employees' union. • * After the toast '"The King" had been honoured, the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. P. Luke) weloomed'tlio visitorsto the city. Mr. Luke addod v that ho hoped 'that the conference would be of benefit to both the employers and 'the employees. He sympathised with the members of "the trade in the difficulties 'they had to iveroome. If-everr there was. a time when employers and .employees would pull together. for the benefit of both, and, of the public it was the present time. He hoped thalt the employers in conference would consider the employees, who had to get through war time, and only had their employers to look to for help. Ho was Sony that, tho Government had'not been able to control, prices from the beginning of tho wat. ' ; Subsequent speakers mentioned that good relations existed between employers and employees, and complimented the union on possessing such an official as Jit. Kennedy. The toast list was: "Visiting Delegates," proposed by the Mayor, and responded to by Messrs. .Garlick and Hayw'ard; "Tlje New Zealand Union of Employers," pro•posed by Mr. Menzies, and responded to by Mr. "Williams;."."The "Wellington Union," Messrs. Neap and Williams; "Our Employees." Messrs. Collie and employees* representatives. ■ .' A, very fine' entertainment programme was provided.