LOCAL MUSICIANS

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 57, 8 March 1920, Page 7

LOCAL MUSICIANS

RELATIONS WITH EMPLOYERS.

The annual socal reunion of the Wellington Performing Musicians' Union was held last night, Mr. Andrew Williams presiding over a numerous gathering. A splendid programme of varied items was supplied. An overture by a specially selected orchestra opened the evening, followed by Maud Bletsoe Buckeridge's Company of Gay Gambols, whose contributions were much enjoyed. The second part was devoted to miscellaneous items, contributed by Messrs. Andrew Williams and Frank Johnstone, Mrs. J. F. Woodward (included in her items being a charming song, written specially by Frank Crowther, entitled "Cosette"), and Messrs. H. Moschinl and R. Brown. An innovation was the "Spasm of Chorus," in which the whole company participated. Mr. Frank Crowther presided at the piano.

In replying to the toast of "Kindred Unions," Mr. W. E; Evans, speaking as an employer, said there were indications that the employers were realising that they must combine to secure better musicians. This was a compliment to the fighting; unions that had! carried on trades unionism in the past. The spirit of unionism was spreading, and the results achieved in their own profession showed that only by a combination could the employers ensure proper conditions for those they had combined against them, and terms that were acceptable to each side.. In proposing the toast of "The Employers," Mr. J. F. Woodward saM that though the rec«nt dispute before the Conciliation Council had not tended to improve the feeling between the employers and the union, it was hoped 1 the ultimate result would lead to a better understanding.

Mr. A. M. Pickford. who responded, said there was a lack of cohesion between the employers and the union, and if it tvere not for this obstacle he thought they miijht more easily get' over their little differences. Referring to the present claims of the union before the Conciliation Council, lie remarked that the council had fit its first pitting made a very pow attempt tn come to nn agreement. Both sides had gone to the council with the wrong- spirit. The whole trouble arose from the fact that one side claimed something altogether above what It could possiMv hope to secure, while the other side went to the council with the full determination of preventing the other form set-tin? its demands. His own opinion was tlint the employers could Pet the best out of the men they h4d nssociat-;tl with them in ths workers \{ they treaty them in the way they were entitled to be treated.