BUILDERS’ CONFERENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 13890, 26 October 1905, Page 3

BUILDERS’ CONFERENCE.

The sixth annual meeting of the Federal Council of the Builders and Contractors’ Associations of New Zealand was opened at Tima.ru on Tuesday morning. By the courtesy of the Mayor and Borough Council, the meeting is being hold in the Council Chamber. Mr TV. Jacques, of Christchurch, president, and Mr G. 0. Clayton,, of Timaru, vice-pre-sident, Mr E. Reece, of Christchurch, secretary, and the following delegates were present:—Auckland: Messre S. J. CUvrke, C. Bloomfield and G. Baildon; Waikato: J. Ford; Taranaki: L. F. Billiot axxd A. A. Pickett; 'Wanganui: A. G. Bignell and J. Spurdle; Gisborne: ■M, Meuli; Napier: W. Ward and K. Beacham; Wellington: W. H. Bennett and Humphries; Canterbury: K. F. England, J. H. Stubborfie-ld and G. B. Chick; Timaru: P. Foster and T. Foden; Oainaru: J. Rosie and A. Smith; Dunedin: F. Wilkinson, G. Hodges and G. Simpson; Southland: F. L. Trickery and A. Bain. It was resolved that the ’ meetings generally should be open to the Press. THE ANNUAL REPORT. The president read the report as follows :—Membership; North Otago, with a membership of thirty-three, joined early in the year, while. Waikato, with a membership of eighteen, has applied for affiliation. Registration of rules: The rules of the Federation have been registered under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act of 1902, and the rules, as approved by the Registrar, are now available. Conditions of contract: This has been the most important work of the year. In our preliminary efforts we were fairly successful with the various architects of the colony, with the result that half the affiliated associations had oome to an agreement over the matter. Lately, however, organised opposition has been shown by the ai-chi-teots in the other centimes, and as they have asked the executive for a conference during this session, aiTangements have been made accordingly. Accident Insurance: The question of mutual insurance has received the consideration of your executive. The report of the solicitor to the executive was sent to each association, but, owing to the difficulties to be overcome, the matter was deferred to the present meeting. It is hoped that with fresh information before you this important question will be dealt with in a practical manner. Notices of motion, etc.: A deputation from the executive interviewed the Government upon the several matters referred to therein, viz.: (1) Clause in the Act referring to twenty-four hours’ notice of accident; (2) granting contractor the light to place a lien upon the land; (3) the destruction of forests: (4) tlx© question of cash deposits in lieu of bondsmen ; (5) an amendment to the Arbitration. and Conciliation Aot to bring all pei'sons employing labour in the district under the award. The Premier promised to amend the law relating to Arbitration Court avvax-ds when the amending Bill was befox-e the House. Visits: During the year the executive sent deputations to Wellington, Dunedin and Timaru in connection frith the work of_ the Fedei'ation. Employers’ Association: In acooidanoo with the resolution passed at the last meeting, your executive appointed Messrs Bennett and Thompson, of Wellington, as representatives to the New Zealand Employers’ Association. In conclusion, the executive desire to congratulate tlx© Fedei’ation on its increasing membership, and upon the active and loyal support received from the various associations, especially from these centres where architects were opposed on the question of the new conditions. The balance-sheet showed receipts £ll9 lls (Id, and expenditure £9l IBs, leaving a credit balance of £27 ISs 6d. In proposing the adoption of the report, the president expressed regret that employers had not moi’o largely availed themselves of the benefits or union and co-operation. After long delays, the Association’s x’ules had at last been registei’ed. Mr Russell, solicitor, of Wellington, would attend the conference, and give some important information x’egarding accident insurance. The amendments to the Arbitration Act had not been altogether satisfactory'-, and several paints would come up for discussion. , 1

A long discussion took place on the subject of “awards,” as-differing from “ i ud ustri a 1 agreements. ’ ’ The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr Bennett (Wellington) mad© a report on his actions as their ropresentat’v© on the New Zealand Employers’ Federation, and a vote of thanks was accorded to him. The amended rules (as registered) wore adopted. Mr Foden (Timaru) moved that any member of an affiliated association shall on production of Ms membership ticket, bo entitled to all the privileges of membership in any other district. This was earned after some discussion. On the motion of Mr Foden (Timaru), it was resolved that the executive should appoint a legal adviser, to whom all intricate legal questions may bo referred by any association, before action is taken. On the motion of Mr England, it was resolved —“ That it be a recommendation to the Council that, in future no agreements' be made between associations and unions except under a direct award of the Arbitration Court, and that copies of all proposed agreements be forwarded to the Federal Executive for .their consideration- and advice.” It was also resolved, unanimously, on Mr England's motion, that united

1 action should be taken by the affiliated associations,,in cases of election of representatives for the Arbitration Court. Another motion by Sir England was canned, adopting for the builders’ use a clause in the recent engineer’s award at Auckland regarding dismissal of apTU'entiecs.