PRIVATE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES COMMISSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10454, 28 May 1897, Page 5

PRIVATE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES COMMISSION.

[BT IKLKaiUrH.--PRS3S ASSOCIATION.]

Dbnedin, Thursday. TnE Royal Commission on Private Benefit Societies practically concluded with the Union Company's Society to-day. One witness desires to amplify his evidence on one point, and another legal opinion as to the status of (ho society is to be put in. Three witnesses who had been summoned to attend as representatives of the friendly societies were questioned as to the effect private benefit societies generally had on the registered societies, and as to their feelings towards the Union Company's Society. The remaining witnesses wore volunteer. , !, who, beinp oub of employment through boats being laid up, spoke of the beneficial working of the Union Company's Society. (by teleqiuph,—own oop.respoxdrnt.] Wellington, Thursday. The Royal Commission sitting ad presenb in Dunedin to inquire into the operation of the private benefit societien appears to be the source of much misgiving in -trade unions. The Minister of Public Works and Marine was waited on yesterday by the president and secretary of the Seamen's Union. To him they declared that the evidence Uken before the Commission was very unsatisfactory; that the witnesses had given evidence contrary to their previous 'statements; and asking whether the Royal Commission would makes investigations at places other than Dunedin and Auckland. They urged that the Commission should sit in Wellington. The Minister said the Royal Commission would do so if proper representations were made. He directed the interviewers to write to Mr. Tregear (the' chairman) on the subject. The morning journal comments upon the above as follows :—" There have- not been any of the damaging revelations which were promised when the Commission was asked for. The Union Company has nob in any way interfered with those who have come forward as witnesses. It seoms already clear that there never was any necessity for the setting up of an expensive Commission, and if it turns out that the Commission may sit where and as long as it pleases there will undoubtedly be an inexcusable waste of public money." The Post says the inquiry is being " spun out,"