TIMBER-WORKERS' NEEDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14209, 4 November 1909, Page 8

TIMBER-WORKERS' NEEDS.

A FORMIDABLE PROGRAMME. [BY TELEGBAFH. — ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, Wednesday. A deputation waited on the- Hon. J. A. Millar to-day, to bring under hie notice the resolutions passed at the timber workers' conference. The deputation was introduced by Messrs. D. McLaren and J. Stallworthy, J.P.'s. Mr. J. Alsweiler (president of the timber workers' conference) explained the nature of the resolutions passed by the conference. In his reply Mr. Millar dealt with most of the points raised. The programme put forward, he said, was a very formidable- one. He would tell them candidly, however, that they would never get statutory preference to unionists without conditions which, paradoxical as it might seem, would render it of no use whatever. The question of a 44 hours' week was a policy one. Afforestation was being carried out, and it had to be remembered that only a certain amount of money could be set aside for this work each year. At present the struggle to get .money for this work, with the demands for roads and railways, was a big one. Land nationalisation was another policy question. As to the purchase of all railway sleepers in New Zealand, for certain classes of work (such as heavy curves) there was not a suitable timber in New Zealand. Iron bark sleepers were an absolute necessity for some work. The Government would take all the sleepers they could get in New Zealand. The question of import duty on timber would be dealt with in due course. He agreed it was necessary for surgical appliances for first aid to be kept at sawmills. If an opportunity offered he would make provision to this effect in a Bill this session.. . He also promised to have full inquiries made as to the accommodation provided for bush workers.