MEETING OF UNIONISTS.

Evening Post, Volume XLIV, Issue 9, 11 July 1892, Page 2

MEETING OF UNIONISTS.

The advertisement calling a mass meeting of Unionists at the Columbia Skating Bink on Saturday night, was responded to by less than 200 persons, including a few womon, Mr. John Rigg, Chairman of the Wellington Federated Trades and Labour Council, who occupied the chair, explained that the objects of tho meeting were — first, to show to thqso who had said that tbe spirit of Unionism was extinct that such was not the case ; second, to infuse a little more enthusiasm into Unionism ; and in the third place to endeavour to bring about a better federation of tho Unions. With theso objects in view they had selected as their speakers thoso who were connected with Trades Unions in various parts of the colony. Mr. H. W. Warner moved, "That this meeting recognises the necessity for Trades and Labour Organisations, and approves tho federation of such organisations." He wna satisfied that the Trades Unions both in this and tho Old Country had done more to better tho condition of tho working man than any othor institutions existing. It was through them they had gained the splendid representation upon local legislative bodies, and lie hoped that their influence would also be prominent in securing female franchise. (Applause). In the past they had not been making sufficient efforts to attain federation of Unionism ; they had, as it were, been too conservative. It they were to achieve the federation of labour, they must open their ranks to all and sundry, and give some inducement to others to join with thorn—(Applause; ; but when once the Unionists had become one united body, they would bo able to carry every reform they desired. Mr. J. W. Poynton seconded the motion. Mr. K. Sandford, M.H.B. for Chiistchurch, and Presidont of the Canterbury Trades and Union Council, Christchurch, said it was a mistaken notion to suppose that tho moment a Union was formed its function was to try and raise wages and shorten hours. Tho first work was to conserve what reforms had already been attained, and to try and bring into its ranks those who wore outside of them. They should not aim at effecting reforms until they were sufficiently sure of their ground, and then there was some chance of success. Unionism, to be successful, should be irrespective of trade, and irrespective of occupation. That it traa beneficial was clear from its remarkable aohiovments in ameliorating the condition of tho masses in the Old Country, and he ventured to say that, had it not boon for tho progress of the same organisation hero in this colony, the working classes would have boen labouring 9 or 10 hours a day, at a wage of 6s or 7s, instead of enjoying their eight hours' system and_ good wages. As to the futuro, to his mind their first work was '• closing np tho ranks," and tho way to do this was to constitute themselves into missionaries, and ci'culate themselves and Unionist principles among their fellowa. Ho advocated arbitration in all disputes between labour and capital, as strikes were disastrous to both sido3 ; but, to his idea, arbitration would never be satisfactory unless legislation made the finding of tho Conciliation Boards conclusive. Unless this wore the case, arbitration was useless. (Cheors.) Mr. J. W. Kelly, M.H.8., of tho Southland Trades and Labour Union, observed that the questions before tho meoting were of the utmost importance They probably saw the other day a cable message to the effect that a reduction of wages by 25 per cent, was contemplated in tho Australasian maritime trade, and although Mr. Mills had given an assurance that the statement was not correct, it must bo very apparent to all whe could read between tho linos that those who rendered snch erreat aid to tho capitalists during tho lato strike must in time make some reduction. This was a powerful argument in favour of tho federation of Unionism. He agreed with previous speakers that if ever Unions wore to become a success and fulfil their mission they must extend the right hand of fellowship to everyone. Strikes and locks-out ought to be things of the past, and the time had como for compulsory arbitration in such, matters. (Hear, hoar.) He maintained that co-operation was the only practical scheme put forward for tho improvement of tho condition of tho workor without calling upon the Government for aid, and he pointed out that as the workers would have in tho futnro to take a larger share in tho government of the country than hitherto, unity was a necessity. Unless their ranks were filled up capitalists would keop grinding down their wages, so he appealed t> them to do as Mr. Sandford had said, constitute themselves missionaries for the diffusion of their principles. Mr. D. Pinkerton, M.H.R., and President of the Otago Trades and Labour Council, spoke principally on the subject of the future of Unionism, remarking that it must be apparent to overyone that their interests would be better sorved by unity than by working disjointedly. They would be bettor able to redress a wrong, past experience having shown that strikes ought to be the last means resorted to. Dealing with the question of freedom of contract, he contended that it was fully conceded by UnionistE on all occasions when Unionist principles wero recognised. He advocated co-operation and the formation of an industrial fund amongst the Unions, so that they_ might become tho owners of tools and machinery, and be able to sell their labour in the highoet market. Labour and education, he argued, should go hand in hand, and it was a great mistake to suppose otherwise, because it was only natural that an educated man wonld direct his energies in such a way as to produce the best results. He thoroughly agreed with the sentiments expressed in the motion — that Unionism should not be local, but should federate— and that, he thought, ought not to be difficult to accomplish in this progressive age. (Applause). Mr. C. Whiting spoke briefly to the resolution. Mr. Desmond, of Napier, maintained that Unionism would never be worth anything in New Zealand until they were able to keep tho Government in one hand and the police and soldiers in the other. (Hear, hear). Working men were now simply the slaves of capital, the whole system of which was based upon the principle of nine men living and robbing the other 91. (Laughter.) Unions no doubt had done and would continue to do good, but what they had to learn was how to defeat capital, which had so often defeated them, and would probably do it again. To say that it was not the function of Unions to try and raise wages and shorten hours, as a previous speaker had said, was to his mind a species of sophistry. Why, it was their chief object. He asked them, had either their wages or their position been bettered by Unionism in New Zealand? ("Yes.") He very much doubted it. The present Government was practically controlled by the capitalist class. (Cries of " No.") The_ Chairman said tho speaker must confine his remarks to the questions involved in the resolution, as the meeting was not intended for the purpose of criticising the Government. Mr. Desmond, continuing, said that at any rate the Government was prevented from carrying its measures by the capitalist class. (Laughter and hear, hear.) It was a Liberal Government any way, and he wished success to it and to the Trade Unions. (Applause). On the motion of Mr. Thornton, a vote of thanks was passed to the various speakers, and a similar compliment having been tendered to the Chairman, the meeting terminated.