LABOUR QUESTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12239, 7 April 1903, Page 5

LABOUR QUESTIONS.

THE COMING CONFERENCE. ANNUAL REPORi. [JVT TELEGRAPH. —PBESS ASSOCIATION.] Dujtedin, Monday. The annual report of the executive of the Trades and Labour Council to the delegates, who meet at Greymouth on Easter Monday, laments that the last session of Parliament placed on the Statute Books so few of the matters' discussed at last conference, which represented the organised workers of the colony, who now total about 20,000, and as such, can be fairly called the Labour Parliament of New Zealand. But independent of representing the organised workers, it can fairly be claimed that the conference voices the opinion of the workers as a whole. The workers represent 65 per cent, of the population, and this being so, it is to be regretted that so few of the measures discussed and passed at each conference as beneficial to the majority of tho people of the colony should, year after year, receive such scanty treatment from the Government and Parliament. But, independent of subjects which may be classed as more directly in the interests of the working classes ,the majority of tho subjects discussed are of universal character, and are urged in the interests of the people. "We have reason then to ask," the report proceeds, " that some consideration should bo given to our conclusions. The least we can expect is that some of the matters at any rate should be brought before Parliament, . and allow the people's representatives to say whether these measures shall become tho law of the land or not. Surely this is not too much to ask, representing the body of electors we do. The executive recommend that a deputation from the conference bo appointed to wait on the Premier with a view to seeing that the new Parliament should be given an opportunity to express its opinion on at any rate a. number of the items passed at the conference." Satisfaction is expressed that the Premier has decided to make preference to unionists compulsory. Preference, as usually put in the awards, is of little use to unionists, as the question of competency is left to the employer. Satisfaction is expressed at the intention to appoint an inspector of Arbitration Court awards. The subject of trusts in general, and the milling trust in particular, occupied tho attention of of the last conference, and they were condemned on all hands as inimical to the interests of the community. The Trades and Labour Councils throughout the colony have strongly protested against them, and attempts have been made to counteract their influence.