CHINESE IN THE FURNITURE TRADE.

Evening Post, Volume XLVIII, Issue 54, 1 September 1894, Page 2

CHINESE IN THE FURNITURE TRADE.

A well-attended meeting of persons oonnooted with the furniture trade waa held in the Trades Hall last night, Mr. Alfred Bishop in tho chair, for the purposo of taking some aotion relative to the proposed employment of Chinese in one of the looal faotories. The Chairman strongly urged all present to unite in objecting to an influx of Chinese tradesmen, pointing out that in consequence of tho employment of Chinamen in Melbourne' the trade in that city, bo far as Kuropoans were oonoerned, had been almost ruined. Mr. J. M. Walter, Secretary of the AntiChinese Assooiation reoently formed in Wellington, explained that an Aot had been passed in America restricting the influx of Chinese into that country for ten years, and he expressed a hope that equally strong measnres would be taken in New Zealand. A large number of retail tradesmen had already joined his Association, and be hoped that it would become strong enough to compel steps to be taken to proteot Euro* pean tradesmen in Wellington against Ohmeae competition. Mr. A. Ward (President of the Trade. Council) urged that the poll tax should be increased. The furnitnre trade in Wellington was threatened, and if the Europeans at present employed did not look out, their wages would be very considerably reduced. He suggested that the men should form a union and affiliate with the Trades Connoil. If that were done he felt that an agitation could be got up which would crush the influx of Chinese workmen. Mr. Walter eaid the Europeans in Wellington had themselves to blame. They were too apathetic and the Chinese as a consequence were about to oomo hero. If he oould get permission he would head * foroe of 100 men to shoot down all Chinese tradesmen. Mr. H. Maeon (Vice-President of the ! Trades Council), Baid that people would bny at the cheapest Bhops, even if theße were kept by Chinese. It the proposal to give every householder a vote at municipal elections was passed only men pledged to put down the Chinese wonld be sent into the City Council, and the present unfair competition would soon cease. Mr. IT. C. Jones (Seoretary of the Trades Connoil) also stated that if a union of the furniture hands were formed his Council wonld give every assistance. Those employed in the furniture trade must combine in their own interests. Wellington waa being infested with Chinese, and if the Europeans did not look out the cabinetmaking and other trades would be in their hands. On the motion of Mr. Ralph Renner, seconded by Mr. James Linley, it was decided — " That this meeting endeavours to inaugurate an Anti-Chinese Association, and requests Mr. Walter to arrange for a public meeting." Mr. A. Ford moved that a Union, embracing all branches of tho furniture trade, shonld be formed. The motion was seconded by Mr. J. Linley, and agreed to. The Chairman agreed to aot as seoretary pro tent, and on the motion of Mr. Busing the meeting was adjourned until Monday evening.