PLUMBERS' CONFERENCE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 92, 20 April 1911, Page 2

PLUMBERS' CONFERENCE.

The delegates to the New Zealand Plumbers' Conference, which concluded its sitting in Wellington yesterday, were entertained at a emoke concert in Mawson's Rooms by the WellingtonPlumbers' Union last night. Mr. T. M'Laughlin (president of the local union), who was in the chair, extended a hearty welcome to the visitors. The unions in the other centres had sent very capable men to represent them at the conference, and much good work had been done. He proposed the health of the delegates. Mr. Clark, the Auckland delegate, m replying, said that the object of the conference had been to form a federation of the various unions, and he was certain that what had been done in Wellington thie week would be of great benefit to journeymen plumbers throughout the Dominion. Federation would have had to come sooner or later. The formation of a New Zealand Union would lift a great burden from tho 6ho'uldiers of the district * unions, which in future would have to look to the federation for guidance. The delegates had been treated in a. most hospitable manner, and would return to their homes with pleasant recollections of th«ir visit to Wellington. The formation of a New Zealamd Union would infuse fresh life into the district unions and help to remove some of the disabilities under which journeymen had been labouring for years. Mr. Bissland, of Dunedin, said that the federation of the unions throughout New Zealand had been his ambition "ever fiinca Ho took office in his owt centre. Three years ago he suggested that a conference should be held, and he was glad than- at last Wellington had brought then" 1 togeLiier. Mr. Eillcliffe, of Uhristchurch, who also replied to uhft toast, slated that the conditions of the trade m the various centre* n&a turprked the delegates. There was n» doubt that some lifting up required to be done. In tho inter ewls of the journeymen it was necessary that there should be a federation of 'the unions, and the re*uh> of the conference would, h« was certain, be a, bettering of the conditions of those employees. Mr. Millin, of Timaiv., a-luo itjsponded! The toast of " The Employers " was proposed by Mr. R. D. Johnson and was acknowledged by Mr. F. Levestam. Mr. J. Bassett proposed "Kindred l'xTade»," six! the toast was Teplied to by Mr. G. Blatherwick. Mr. B. Horning gave the toast of "The Wellington Plumbers' Union." During tho evening a number of sones and recitations were given. Mr. W. Oropp was seoretery to th© committee which carried out the arrangement*.