NEW TRADES HALL.

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 13, 15 July 1918, Page 2

NEW TRADES HALL.

VIVIAN-STREET PROPERTY PURCHASED

A PERMANENT HOME FOB

LABOUR.

An important deal has just been concluded by the Wellington Trades and Labour Council, which has purchased the site of the late Dr. Martin's residence in Vivian-street, together with the building thereon, for the purpose of erecting a, Trades Hall. This is. the consummation of negotiations which have extended over many yews. For a long time a building in Lower Cuba-street has served as a Trades Hall, but it has given anything but satisfaction. The need of a suitable building to accommodate the sectaries of • the various unions, together with suitable meeting rooms, has been long felt. From time to time various sites have been under consideration, but difficulties have precluded any finality in making a selection. Now a definite step has been taken which should gladden the hearts of those interested in *he_ Labour movement in Wellington. The property decided upon is centrally situated. It has a frontage to Vivianstreet of 88 feet, with a depth of 220 feet borne time ago it was submitted for sale by auction, but failed to reach the reT Ve °f'£Boo°. the highest bid being about £6700. There is a residence of 16 rooms, and of the latter at least' 10 are convertible into suitable offices at a very slight expense. The remaining rooms are large enough for meetings, and the various Labour conferences, such as those which have been held in 'Wellington during the past fortnight, could easily. be accommodated. This 'will avoid a similar position in the future to that which !has.ruled in Wellington recently,* when three Labour conferences met in three separate building 6. It is intended to proceed at once with the minor alterations that will be necessary" and in the course of a short time it should be possible for Labour secretaries to transfer to the new building. It is not. intended that the residence shall be a permanent Trades Hall. When suitable arangements can be made a substantial brick building will be erected on the site. At the rear-of the residence there is a large section, and a scheme will be devised whereby it will be possible ' to. commence' the erection of the new building behind the present residence, a.nd so work'forward. Thus wills Labour in Wellington be provided with! the permanent home which it has sought for so long. An appeal will be made to the various unions to assist financially the Trades and Labour Council in its endeavours to carry out the full scheme. It is anticipated that now that a definite scheme has been entered upon this assistancse will not be lacking. The sale of the property was effected tlirough the agency of Messrs. J. Fan. ning and Co., Manners-street. '