SHEARERS AND GENERAL LABOURERS UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9495, 26 April 1894, Page 5

SHEARERS AND GENERAL LABOURERS UNION.

[by telegraph.—press association.] Ciiristchcrch, Wednesday. T'-:< annual conference of the New Zealand Amalgamated Shearers and General Labourers Union opened to-day, Mr. J. W. Kelly, M.H.R., presiding. The president, in bis opening address, referred at considerable length to the progress made by the Union, and the condition of labour generally. Tho general secretary submitted the annual report. It could fairly be estimated that the membership was as follows : North Island, 600 ; Marlborough, 200 Canterbury. 1200: ptpEQ.SSO •- Smithland, 3o0; or a grand total of 2800. This means an increase for the year of 800 new members. During' the last shearing season members had been supplied with ballot papers for the purpose of allowing the executive to obtain a consensus of opinion on several questions affecting the interests of the Union, and although it had been carried that the name of the Union should he changed to the "New Zealand Workers' Union that a newspaper bo established in the interests of Unionism; that a death benefit society bo adopted ; that shears be imported by tha Society ; and that subscriptions be raised to 10s per annum ; still it. was a matter of regret that only about 700 voted. Reference was made to the disputes at Bowland Station, Otago, and the necessity for a universal shod agreement was urged. It was a subject for congratulation that through the instrumentality of the Government electoral rights had been obtained for shearers, but it was thought the system could bo extended with advantage by making the rights available for all. Absent voters, moreover, should possess them for licensing and other election.'?. The report and balance-sheet were adopted.