MEETINGS

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 March 1931, Page 11

MEETINGS

TIMBER WORKERS’ UNION. At the annual meeting of the Westland Timber Workers’ Union, held at Greymouth, a discussion took place regarding the Union’s agreement with the Grey Hospital Board. The secretary (Mr F. L. Turley) reviewed the position, and stated that, if conditions in the industry improved, the Union should have no difficulty in meeting its obligations by the end of June next. If there were no improvement, however, it was probable that the scheme would, have to be abandoned for six months from June 30, to allow the Union to wipe out its liability to the Board.

The following resolution was approved: —“That this meeting has every confidence in the secretary and executive in the way they have dealt with hospital matters.”

The following amendment was defeated: —“That this meeting disagree with the methods adopted by the secretary in connection with our hospital agreement and has no further confidence in him as the secretarytreasurer of our union.”

A further resolution was approved, as.follows: —“That it be a definite instruction to the secretary, that all members who have worked at all since Chistmas, and have not paid their union dues to June 30 next or before April 10 next, receive no hospital benefits for one month after paying up, and that the secretary be instructed to take legal action against all unfinancial members.”

It w.as also resolved: —“That this annual general meeting of the Westland timber workers expresses its strong dissatisfaction at the 'attitude of the Government in tearing up awards by Act of Parliament, and, further points out that 'this organisation will not tolerate any reduction or interference in its awards without a fight, and any reduction in the minimum rates will only bring about a reduced output.” The following resolution was approved:—“That this general meeting Of the Westland timber workers enters another emphatic protest against the importation of foreign timber into New Zealand, this timber being carried by subsidised foreign shipping services, and one of these boats already landing this foretign timber in Napier; and we regret the very ap : parent deliberate and unconcerned inaction of the present Government in this matter, while on the one hand they appeal for funds to assist the residents of Napier to rebuild the devastated city, and then allow foreign timbers to he dumped into Napier for this purpose. We further point out to the Prime Minister that foreign timbers imported into New Zealand are responsible for of workers being on the unemployment dole system, which Could all be avoided by a little statesmanship on the part of the Government’.” It was agreed that this resolution be placed before Mr J. O’Brien, M.P.' and that he be asked 'to obtain a return of all foreign timbers imported into New Zealand during the twelve months ending March 31, 1931.

HOKITIKA BOROUGH COUNCIL [OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HOKITIKA, March 28. The Hokitika Borough Council met last evening; present: The Mayor (Mi’ G. A. Perry), Councillors A. C. Armstrong, E. W. Heenan, D. J. Evans, T. W. Duff, A. R. Elcock, Jas. King, E. Teichlemann, G. Heinz. Mr W. A. Rowe, secretary Hokitika Cycling Club, wrote asking for use of Cass Square for cycling sports.; — Granted. - J. Cutbush, applied for 14 days annual leave. —Granted. H. C. Key, Davie Street, wrote complaining that the road in front of his property is flooded in wet weather, and asking that the Council • take action. —Decided to proceed immediately. Mrs L. R. Hackell, Livingstone St., wrote asking that footpath to her residence be cleared of blackberry.—Referred to foreman. It was decided that the newly curbed footpaths be completed immediately, and to tar-seal a number of bad corners, while tar is available. Abbatoirs report for the month showed: Killed 21 cows, 21 heifers, 37 bullocks, 180 sheep, 7 pigs, 17 calves. Condemned: 1 heifer. Fees for month, £6l 17/-, for the same period last year £66 10/-.

With regard to the flooding' of streets during wet periods, Cr. Heinz moved and the Mayor seconded that the exit of north belt drain be periodically examined. It was resolved that the east belt drain be carried out as expeditiously as possible and concrete pipes be put across Stafford Street to finish the drain.