FEDERATED SEAMEN'S UNION.

Evening Post, Volume LXVI, Issue 55, 2 September 1903, Page 6

FEDERATED SEAMEN'S UNION.

The weekly meeting of the Australasian Federated Seamen's Union was held at tlie Queen's Chambers last flight. The President occupied the chair. The Union Company wrote in reply to the union, stating that it was not certain whether tke Conciliation and Arbitration Act applied to companies owned and registered outside the colony, and intimating that if a committee is set up to take evidence on the point the company would be pleased to tender evidence. It was resolved that tho Government be respectfully requested to amend the Conciliation and Arbitration Act in the direction of giving the Seamen's Union power to cite in an industrial dispute any steamship company (or individual owner), which ia owned and registered outside the colony, and trading in the intercolonial or coastal trade." The Secretary (Mr. Young) explained that the object of this was to prevent any unfair competition that might arise, such as that existing at the preseiit time on the coast of the Commonwealth. t a. long manifesto was received from the Victorian Coal Miners' Association, in [ which it was stated that the coal miners I had entered on the twenty-seventh week of their lock-out at Jumbunna and Outtrim, and giving the full particulars leading up to the trouble. It was unanimously decided to render all assistance possible. A communication was also received from the Victorian Engine-drivers' and Firemen's Association, through Mr. T. Swift, furnishing details in connection with the recent railway strike, and -equesting the union to render financial assistance to the men who have been thrown out of employment. It was resolved, That in view ol Mr. Swift having personally ignored the Seamen's Union during his recent visit to Wellington, this union, whilst regretting the unfortunate position of the Victorian ex-rail way-men, cannot see its way clear to grant any financial assistance, and that a copy »f this resolution be forwarded to the Victorian Association and Mr. Swift." The Arbitration Court wrote, stating that owing to the illness of Mr. Brown, and his absence from the colony, the Court would not be able to determine questions submitted to it until his return. The Sawmillers' and Drivers' Unions wrote stating that they agreed with the suggested new constitution for the Trades Council. In reply to enquiries made from some of the vessels, the Secretary explained that the morning watch off only applied to time-table coal boats, and not to such colliers as the Black Ball Line; and that when a vessel is under banked fires night or day, no unnecessary work, such as scouring, painting, and cleaning, ' is to be done in the engine-room after 5 p.m. It was resolved, That in order to assist in consolidating the Labour Party, the union affiliate with the Council on the lines set forth in letters of 10th June and Bth July, 1903. The Secretary reported that an alleged breach against Messrs. Turnbull and 00. had been filed with the Clerk of Awards ; that the new Shipping Bill was receiving full attention, and that a circular letter had been addressed to members pf Parliament in connection with same; that the branch was now in a flourishing condi tion, and that thirty -one members had been enrolled during August. The matter of an attack made on the Labour Department was considered, and it was resolved, "That this union regrets that a member of Parliament has endeavoured to use tho Labour Party in order to condemn the work of the Department of Labour, and wo herewith place on record our appreciation of the work clone by thai Department, both past and present; further, we also express every I confidence in the officials connected with game, but think they should be empowered to compile statistics regarding matters appertaining to Labour, and that a copy of the resolution be forwarded to the Mini&ter for Labour." Mr. Percy Jeffreys was mairied in the Scots Church, Abel Smith-street, this I of i moon to Miss C.irmichael, daughter I of Mr, Robert Caimichael,.