WESTPORT NEWS.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 72, 26 July 1912, Page 10

WESTPORT NEWS.

Ceneral Laborers Active.—Labor Day Sports.

A meeting of the General Laborers was held on July 9 in the Watersidors' Hall; a good number present. T. Stephenson presided. The report from J. Glover, sec. F.L., re strike and lock-out was received as satisfactory.

A letter was read from Prof. Mills, asking for information regarding the Union, etc. It was resolved that the letter lie, on the table.

It was resolved that the annual bal-ance-sheet be printed, and that the members rcccivo a copy of same. It was also decided that a ballot be taken in the near future to sever our connection with the Arbitration Court.

It was resolved that tho committee bo increased from five to seven members.

Mr. G, Hawes' notice of motion was carried by about two to one of a majority: "That the secretary elected at tho annual meeting be an organising secretary, at £3 per week."

The following are the nominations for officers for the ensuing 12 months: — President, G. llawes and W. Whitwcll; vice-president; W. Crcssey (unopposed); secretary. 1). Moloney and 11. Gillan ; treasurer. J. Mouat (unopposed); committee (seven wanted). J. Barnett, J. Ryan, R. Weeks, AY. Caldwell, W. Williams, J. Moye, ,1. Kayc, W. Regan, W. T. Morris and J. Comerford. Mr. 11. Clark was appointed returning olliccr and W. Wring and T. Shaw were appointed auditors.

I am sorry to see two of our good workers going out of office—namely, T. Stophonsen (president) and R. Harens (treasurer).

Mr. Stephenson has just had VI months in the chair and flias shown good results for bis term of office.

Our old friend. Dick Harens, is another whom one and all are indeed sorry to lose. About 16 years ago Dick, as he is well known, with a few others, started this union. lie hung to it through thick and thin. When work was to bo done in tho fighting lino—when sports wero to be held — when a fellow-worker was in distress and the list had to go round —Mr. Harens was til ways to the fore to help. For the last seven years Mr. Harens was treasurer of the union, but ho now thinks it only right that he should

retire from office and let young blood step into the breach.

The Labor Day sports are coming round again. The combined unions have this annual sports day at Cape Foulwind. A combined committee from the Watcrsideis and General Laborers is picked to carry out- the day's programme.

Following are the names of i'w General Laborers who volunteered to act on the committee: —G. Hawes, 11. Gillan, W. Wbitwell. W. Crcssev,' W. Caldwell. J. Kave. W. Williams. W. Ryan, M. O'Brien, R. Cook, J. Ryan. J. Move, J. Chilian, E. Murphy, and 1) Molonev.

Mr. Semple made a great impression on the workers of this district lately, and a visit from him will be always looked forward to.—D. MOLONEY. *