THE TRADES CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10100, 8 April 1896, Page 5

THE TRADES CONFERENCE.

[Ny TELEGRAPH. — PItESS ASSOCIATION,]

Inveiicahoill, Tuesday, At the Trades Conference the gumdiggers' grievances were considered. It was resolved " That the Government immediately ascertain the most suitable method of placing kauri gum on tiio New Zealand, English, and American markets; that gumdiggers bo licensed, and a license only issued to British subjects." After considerable discussion it was resolved by seven to six, "That all tailoring work bo done on the premises of workshop or factory." A motion urging tho Government to introduce legislation regarding old age pensions was carried.

The question of tho employmonfc of girls at dressmaking without wages was postponed till the Masters and Apprentices Bill was considered. It was resolved that tho Minister of Labour be asked to amend the Factories Act, so as to bring the hours of females and boys to tho footing of clause 5 of the 1&81 Act, also that part clause 55 (riving exemption for five half-holidays bo struck out. It was resolved that, the timo has come for the abolition of overtime, and that the Government bo asked to amend the Factory Act in that direction. Several members, whilo affirming the desirableness of the amendment, held that in some trades it would bo impossible to abolish overtimo, On tho question of tho extension of municipal franchise, an amendment was moved that tho franchise bo given to every householder, and the subjoct was then held over till next day. Tho Conference did not advise the federation of trades councils of tho colony. On the question of selecting Labour candidates, Mr. Hutchison moved that the words Labour membors for each centre bo struck out, holding that the selection was a matter for different council* at election time. Mr. Collins moved that it is desirable that one political platform be accepted by ail labour organisations, and that they should pledge themselves only to vote for candidates who subscribed to the same, and tint a bona lido worker be chosen by each trade council. Carried by 10 to 3, and the words "each of the trades councils" altered to " Labour party in each centre." The founding of a Government tailoring workshop was affirmed unanimously.