FORMATION OF A MINERS UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8157, 20 January 1890, Page 6

FORMATION OF A MINERS UNION.

MEETING AT THAMES.

[by telegraph.—OWN correspondent.J Thames, Saturday. A largely-attended and enthusiastic meetling was held in St. George's Hall last night, having been convened for the purpose of considering the advisability of forming a branch at the Thames of the Amalgamated Miners' Association of Australasia. Mr. James McGowan was voted to the chair in the absence of the Mayor, and explained the object for which the meeting had been called, at the same time expressing his sympathy with the movement. Several speakers spoke at some length, all of them stating that the present step had been taken owing to an often, expressed wish amost miners that they should combine and cooperate with other kindred labour organisations to carefully guard their interests. It was pointed out by each speaker that, in the past, other mining districts in this colony and elsewhere had shown their practical sympathy with their fellow-workmen when in distress ar suffering from oppression by forwarding monetary aid, whereas nothing of the kind had ever been attempted at the Thames. It was thought, however, that the time had arrived when the miners here should co-operate in order bo, if necessary, assist their fellows elsewhere, so that, should they themselves at any period in the future labour under injustice, then they in turn should also be assisted by outside Unions. It was stated that there was nothing existing at present with which the men could find fault, and it was merely in order to protect themselves in case of any emergency arising that the proposal to form a Union had been made. Mr. D. E. O'Sullivan proposed, and Mr. F. White seconded, "That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable that the miners of the Thames should form a branch of the Amalgamated Miners' Association of Australasia." The motion was carried unanimously, amidst prolonged cheering. Other matters of detail were arranged, and the proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman, and three vociferous cheers for the Union. The meeting was one of the most successful and unanimous held here for many a year, about six hundred being present, the proposal having been taken up by the miners in the heartiest possible manner. About three hundred miners have already paid their entrance fee, and been enrolled as members. The Union promises to be a pronounced success, as the assistance of the Amalgamated Miners' Association of Australasia has been obtained, so that the Thames branch of the Union commences on A sound financial footing.