WELLINGTON.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2128, 29 February 1908, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

Special to Times. WELLINGTON, Feb. 28. Tho biennial conference of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants is sitting here just now,'and it is understood that some matters of more than ordinary importance are to bo discussed. Amongst these will be the question of the re-organisation of the- society. Owing, however, to the disclosure of official correspondence in the local press a few days ago, individual members will say nothing about the proceedings. This matter was brought up to-day, and resulted in some rather straight talk, the result being the passing of- a resolution to the above effect. It is understood, however, that a bare precis of the proceedings will be officially communicated to the press. From what I ..gather unofficially, I understand that tho Executive is likely to stick to Air. Hornsby, AI.P., as editor and manager of the Railway Review. It appears to be generally recognised that lie has done a good deal for the railway servants cf the Dominion, and the Executive is hopeful of still hotter things in the near future.

The Hon. Mr. Millar states that the protest of the Otago Trades and Labor Council regarding immigration must have been carried without a utl IV 10W i ecg6 °( t!le G-ue position, it they knew the actual condition ol some trades in the Dominion, an ! how greatly their output could be inci eased if more men were availab l " the Council,” said Mr. Millar, “would ca , n '- v such a resolution.” He adds that he is quite in accord vith them against any general scheme of immigration, but that our industries ought to be allowed to remain practically stagnant is not dn the best interests of the Dominion. “Surely in a country with a population of uea’Ka million,” he says, “2000 people is a very small number to bo brought in two years to meet the requirements °, f . T ,? m ; industries.” Mr. Atillar thinks that technical education should have a, good effect on the workmen ol the future, and suggests a small wage lor hoys at the commencement, and a yearly rise of 20 per cent of a Journeyman s wage, reaching 80 per' cent dining the last year of indentureship Grading under awards, with a specific wage, is a question for the consideration of the unions, but there is a demand throughout the Dominion for many classes of labor, and the duty of the Government is to cater lor such without embarking on a general scheme of immigration. The Government will assist- as far as practicable, to adjust the. distribution of tho available surplus of labor ” The conditions under which flax leases will be granted by the Government are set forth in the Gazette the Land Board may, with the ap'piovai ol the Minister, lease by auction, or cutting flax, any area not exceeding 2000 acres for a term not exceeding 14 years, and on exp."ation of that term a .renewal may be gianted for a further term not- exceeding 14 years, at a rental tn hn determined by the Board. \\ m - 0 visional license may he issued for the occupation of land for flax cutting purposes for a term of three hut the area is not to exceed" 200 acres in any one case, 00 th °" «* «** , t<Mlnv trielo i\as a 10-shilling rise in Av„i £l9 , JJ , J alisman mmiinr scl .; n changed hands at £2 13s 3d "Unio Steams were wanted at £1 13 S Gisborne gas £2 9s m,i v v , u ( l, £2 11s 3d S ’ and IVZ - dl 'uys