CARPENTERS AND JOINERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 8756, 1 April 1889, Page 6

CARPENTERS AND JOINERS.

FORMATION OF A SOCIETY,

A meeting of representatives of these trades was held in the Druids’ Hall, Worcester street, on Saturday evening, at which there was a large attendance. Mr Willsteed was voted to the chair. In opening the business the Chairman explained what had been done at the previous meeting, which had been adjourned on account of the inclemency of the weather. Those present had, however, advocated the co-operation of the carpenters and joiners in maintaining a demand for an increased rate of wages, viz., ten shillings a day for eight hours’ work in town; one shilling a day more outside a radius of five miles from town; and Saturday’s half holiday. He also introduced the subject of an Amalgamated Society, such as is in existence in Sydney and other large towns, whereupon Mr T. J. Maultsaid moved the resolution above alluded to. Considerable discussion ensued, in which it was shown ten shillings a day was the ruling price in the southern towns, and it was only just that Christchurch should be placed on the same ultimately resolved—“Thata Society such as had been suggested be formed," and a Committee consisting of Messrs Beckwith, Blanchard, Fleming, Willsteed and Parker was elected to draw up a code of rules to be submitted at an adjourned meeting of the Committee on Wednesday evening next. It was also decided to convene another general meeting for Saturday next to enrol new members and to receive the Committee’s report. Mr T. J. Maultsaid was elected Secretary, but declined the proffered honorarium. In response to a vote of thanks the Chairman assured the meeting that nothing gave him more satisfaction than the present prospect of union among the carpenters and joiners of Christchurch. He felt tnat it was much needed in the interest of both employer and employed, and trusted very shortly to see all in the trade members of the Society. - The meeting then closed.