TRADES AND LABOUR COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7270, 7 March 1885, Page 6

TRADES AND LABOUR COUNCIL.

The annual meeting of the Trades and Labour Council was held at Kobaou'a Rooms, Qaeen-street, last evening. Mr. Thomas Tudehope occupied the chair. Lwttkb from Mr, W. L. Rem.—The following letter from Mr. W. L. Rees was read :— "H. Famall, Esq., Secretary Trades and Labour Council: Sir,—l very much regret my inability to attend this evening for the purpose of explaining my views upon the co-operation of land, labour, and capital. You are aware of my desire to imitate the plans which I have attempted to mature in this direction, under the auspices and with the approval of industrial sections of the community. As I know of no other organization in Auckland where I think a favourable field for operations is to be found, I naturally wish to introduce my plans to the notice of your members of all trades and callings. 1 believe that i am able to show how, through the instrumentality of the joint stock principle, a great co-operative society, or perhaps many such, will accomplish the task which all social reformers are now anxious to perform, viz., to distribute fairly and justly amongst all who aid in the production of wealth in due proportion the wealth which they create. In doing this I venture to Bay : All labour will meet employment; combination and co-operation of organised labour will, at a minimum of cost and effort, produce a maximum of results; and labour, besides its wages, will share in the wealth equally with land and capital. My desire is to deliver here first, and then in the different centres of population throughout tbe colony, with a view to carry into practical working the theories propounded. If this bs dona under the approval of the labouring classes and societies of .New Zealand, you will find in it a bond of social and political union strong enough to enable you to control the legislature at the next election.—l am. etc., W. L. Ree3."—The secretary, Mr. Farnall, said that Sir George Grey told him that twenty years ago he had been advocating this very thing in England, and that in bis opinion it would take a very great many years before the people could be got to believe in it. Sir George subsequently told Mr. Reea that shortly after this conversation, he met Mr. Froude, and one ot the first things Mr. Froude did was to remind him of the lectures he had given in connection with these subjects twenty years ago, and added that he thought England was now ripe for the thing. Mr. Reea'a offer to deliver a lecture was accepted with thanks. Anmtal Report.—The annual report was then read. It gave a narrative of the work done during the year. It was stated that through the efforts of the council nearly a thousand fresh names were placed upon the rolls. They hoped that at the next elections they would be much more successful than at the last. The report concluded as follows :—" Although there has not been any very startling work peformed by the council during the past twelve months, yet enough has been done to enow that it is full of vitality, and if, as is sincerely to be hoped , other societies in the course of this year join the council, and if they will select from amongst themselves their ablest men as delegates to the council, then there is no fear but that the council will represent a power that will be absolutely irresistible, and one that, whether in trade matters or matters political, will be able to make its weight felt, in whichever direction it chooses to exercise its influence. As regards the financial position of the council, six months ago there was an almost hopeless amount of acorued liabilities. To-day you will see by the balance-sheet that the Treasurer has in hand £6 18s Id, with Which to commence the financial year. The income for the half-year, ending December 31. was £33 12s 3a. The expenditure was £29 19s 2a, leaving a balance in hand of £3 . 13s Id. Since th«n certain amounts have been paid in, bringing the Treasurer's balance in hand up to the amount already £6 18s Id."— Several members referred to the satisfactory report, and to 'the sound condition of the finances of the council.—The report was adopted. Two of the delegates to the congress at Dunedin made statements, but they Bad little to add to what has already appeared in print.—Mr. F. Jeune, although not a member of the council, congratulated the council on their position and upon the work accomplished by them during th? year.—A general discussion ensted on the objects of the Council.