CAPITAL & LABOUR.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 957, 4 July 1890, Page 11

CAPITAL & LABOUR.

TRADES AND LABOUR COUNCIL. The fortnightly meeting of tho Trades and Labour Council was held at Messrs Baker Brothers’ auction rooms last night week. There was a good attendance of delegates, and Mr J. Graham (president) occupied the chair. Deputations were received from the wharf labourers and timber workers with referenoe to union matters. It was decided to hold a special meeting on Saturday night to consider whether the agreement between the Directors of the Woollen Company, the Maritime Counoil and Trades and Labour Council with regard to the difficulty at the Woollen Company’s mill is being carried out. Communications were received from the Dunedin and Christchnrch Trades Counoils stating that steps were being taken to form branches of the Storemen’s, Ironworkers’ Assistants, Saddlers, and Coachmakers’ Unions in those cities. A copy of the Knights of Labour petition in favour of the re-arrangement of taxation was received with a request that the Council would use its influence in obtaining signatures. Reports from the sub-committees appointed to interview She Directors of the ’Bus Company, Master Butohers, and Master Bakers were received and considered. Messrs Miller and Cliff reported that, in conjunetion with Mr A. D. Riley, they had made all arrangements in connection with the industrial education mass meeting, to be heid' on Monday next in the Central Hall. The following motion was onsidered : event of a strike the Council levy eaoh Union pro rata, such levy not to exceed Is per week for each member.” A large number of the delegates stated that they had full power to support this motion, whloh was carried unanimously. A letter tfas received , from the Secretary of the Typographical A ssociatioii, stating that the New Zealand Timeh was now worked on Union principles, and requesting the support of trade unionists for that journal. The meeting did not conclude until after midnight, DISCORD IN THE COUNCIL. RESIGNATION OP MR D, P. FISHER. The meeting of the Trades and Labour youneii which yr a* bold on Saturday evening

at the new Trades Hall, Manners atreet, was an especially stormy one, and lasted for some hours. The meeting was called for the discussion of cettain matters in connection with the employment of operatives at the Pitone Wcoilen Mill who had been oat on strike. It was conducted in private of couise.

The meeting was held for the purpose of considering difficulties 'id connection with the Woollen Mill employes, and Mr J. Graham (President) occupied the chair. Mr T. Kennedy Macdonald was present as representing the Directors of the Woollen Mill, and a number of ex-operative 3 also attended. Mr D. P. Fisher (who requests ns to say that he attended as a member of the Maritime Council) outlined the compact as investigated by him during the day, and assured the meeting that it was being absolutely carried out. A long and at times very stormy riisenssion ensued, and Mr Macdonald took the opportunity to assure the Council that as far as the Directors were concerned they were carrying out the compact to the letter. Ultimately it was resolved that Messrs Butler, Cooper, and R. P. Johnson should be a committee to investigate the compact and satisfy themselves as to whether or not it was being faithfully carried out.

In the course of the discussion a remark was made which appeared to convey a doubt as to the genuineness of Mr Fisher’s recent Ulnt-SB, in consequence of which Mr Fisher read the following correspondence : ' “Thorndon quay, “ June 29th, 1890. “ Hoe Dr Grace—

“ Dear Sir, Doubt has been cast on my absence from the Trades Council being occasioned through illness, by one of its members. As a kindness, will you give me a medical certificate ? My character was traduced as indicated at a meeting of the Council held last evening, which I attended. “ Respectfully yours, “D. P. Fisher.” “I certify that when Mrs Fisher sent for me in a panic to see her husband, Mr D. P. Fieher, I found him in & ststs in fact, in ‘ great danger of death from apoplexy. I attended for days, actuated by a high sense of responsibility, and convinced that his condition involved qaite exceptional risks. Finally, I discontinued my personal attendance, warning him that if he did not (no matter what the consequences) take a month or six weeks’ rest, he would be icca pacitated for work, probably for months. “Morgan S. Grace, M.D. “June 29, 1890.”

The difficulty has arisen, we believe, in connection with the Directors of the Woollen Company declining to re-employ certain operatives whom they alleged they had dismissed on grounds altogether apart from any Union question. Apparently Mr Fisher and some other members of tho Council are satisfied of the Directors’ bona fides in the matter, while others take the side of the operatives, and doubt whether the compact arrived at by the Conference at Pitone some weekß ago has been carried out in its entirety. Mr D. P. Fisher will resign the secretaryship of the Council in the following terms : “ Wellington, June 30, 1890. “ The President Trades and Labour Council.

“ Dear Sir, —Kindly accept my resignation of the office of Secretary of the Federated Trades Council. ' nv “D. P. Fisher. ”

All the labour unions but one or two responded at opce to an appeal on behalf of the Tramway Company’s ex-employds, and the first strike pay was distributed on Saturday.

RAILWAY SERVANTS’ SOCIETY. The regular monthly meeting of the Wellington branch of the Amalgamated Railway Servants’ Society was held on Saturday evening, Mr Skinner, chairman of the branch, presiding- There was an unusually large attendance, a number of members from Pitone being present. A letter was received from the Executive approving the rules of the branch, with some unimportant amendments. The Wanganui branch forwarded a donation of £3 10s for the ex-operatives of the Woollen Mill. It was decided to proceed with the reconstitution of the Committee, and to this end nominations are to be made at the next meeting. A motion expressing appreciation of the services of the Executive was carried unanimously and ordered to be forwarded to Christchurch. Five working members and one honorary member were added to the branch, and the meeting adjourned after the transaction of some routine business. During their stay in Wellington the Executive deputation had an interview with the Commissioners with respeot to the circumstances under which one of the local employes had been dismissed. The Commissioners, having heard the deputation, agreed to give further consideration to the matter.

AMALGAMATED BUTCHERS’ EMPLOYES. A large and enthusiastic meeting of the Wellington District Amalgamated Employ4s Union was held at the Trades Tlall, Man. ners street, last night week, Mr S. Smith (President) being in the chair. The rules of the union, as revised by the Master Butchers, were received and discussed at great length. Moßt of the rules were adopted, the remainder being held over for farther considerstion. It was resolved to authorise the Trades Council to make a levy on the Union when required.

Tho aeries of meetings between the master butchers and their employes respecting the log of the latter were concluded on Monday, Mr Sladden, of the Meat Export Company, who has occupied the chair throughout the meetings, was, on behalf of his fellow masters, tendered a unanimous vote of thanks for the liberality and cordial reception that has been extended to the employes, A similar compliment was awarded to the delegates who were in attendance on behalf of the Trades and Labour Council, viz., Messrs Graham and Butler. The delegates, in reply, expressed a desire that the employers would meet their

servants in a like friendly spirit. The new Union rules and log will come into force on the 14th instubt, by which time it is expected that there will be over 300 members on the roll. THE TRAMWAY DIFFICULTY. At the meeting of the Trades and Labour Council last night week, it was decided to make the first levy of sixpence per week per member for the support- of the tramway employes who are out ou strike. Messrs Graham, Allen, and Butler were appointed a Strike Committee. The strike pay was fixed as follows :—Married meu, 22s 6d ; single men, 15s. It was decided, at the meeting of the Butohers’ Employes’ Union last night week to take 10 shareesin th ’Bus Company. ENGINEERS’ SOCIETY. The fortnightly meeting of the Engineers’ Soeiety was held at Bowley’s rooms, Caba street, on Monday night. There was a good attendance, and Mr Milne occupied the chair. Several new members were elected. A levy of 6d per head per week was struck in aid of the tramway employes now oat on strike. Mr H. Mclntyre was appointed as a delegate to represent the-Society on the Trades and Labour Council. It was stated that no reply bad been reoeived from the masters as to whether or not they would accept the Society’s by-laws. Several additional by. laws were passed, and after some other bnsineßs of a routine nature had been transacted the meeting adjourned. TAILORESSES’ UNION. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Tailoresses’ Union was held at Bakers’ auction rooms on Tuesday night. There waß a good attendance, and Mr Allen (President) occupied the chair. The tramway strike was brought up, and it was agreed that the members of the Union should support the ’Bus Company. It was announced that ten employers had signified their intention of complying with the rales and the log of the Union. A suit of clothes end £ pai? of trousers were received from the Dunedin Union, showing the system upon which the garments were manufactured in Dunedin, and it was decided to ask the manufacturers here if they would adopt the Dunedin system. It having been decided that the next meeting should he held in the Trades Hall, the meeting adjourned.

CARPENTERS AND JOINERS’ UNION. A well-attended meeting of the above Union was held in the Foresters’ Hall on Tuesday , Mr A. Mudge in the chair. The only business before the meeting was the election of officers, which resulted as follows :—President, Mr A. Mudge ; VicePresident, Mr A. Harbottle ; Secretary, Mr H. Fairhurst; Treasurer, Mr A. Green; Committee, Messrs Johnson, Hatchard, Smith, Dormer, J. Twist, W. Furness, and W. Wilson; Trustees, Messrs H. Parsonage and H, Walker. After a vote of thanks had been passed to the Chairman, the meeting adjourned till Tuesday evening next. FEDERATED WHARF LABOURERS, A special meeting of the Federated Wharf Labourers’ Union was held at the Exchange Hall on Wednesday night. There was a very large attendance, and Mr Robert Scott (vice, president) occupied the chair. A proposal from the Sydney Union that the entrance fee to the Unions throughout the colonies Bhould be £5 5s was laid before the meeting. A motion to the effect that the proposal should be adopted, was considered, but after a long and animated discussion it was lost by a large majority. The question of the equalisation of labour, which wa3 discussed at the conference of delegates held in Dunedin in May last, and which it was decided should be submitted to the various Unions for their consideration, was also discussed, but the meeting deoided against the introduction of snoh a system by a large majority. This was all the business, and the meeting then adjourned. THE PITONE OPERATIVES. In the evening papers on Monday was an intimation that , a meeting of the exoperatives was to be held at Pitone to discuss the condition of affairs, and though those interested were not aware of any such meeting having been called, there was a large attendance outside the Working Men’s Club at S o’clock the same night. On the arrival of Mr D. P. Fisher there was a general demand for information as to who was responsible for calling the meeting, and those present declined to attend one unless they had proper notice and the meeting was called by someone fn authority. In reply to questions, Mr Fisher said he had been challenged by Mr Graham to explain his actions, and the operatives then Baid that if this was the case they would leave the matter in Mr Graham's hands, and attend any meeting called by him, when they would reply to Mr Fisher. Mr Fisher retorted that he waß ready to meet them at any time, then or on some fnture evening. After a rather warm altercation the gathering commenced to disperse, the operatives declining to go inside the room for the purpose of hearing Mr Fisher. Mr J. MoKenzie stated that he had known nothing of the meeting till he saw the paper that evening. Their case was at present in the hands of the committee of the Trades and Labour Council, and they would await their report.

Mr D, McKenzie, Secretary of the Weilington Woollen Mill Company’s Ex-opera-tives’ Union, said that if they had had any intimation of that meeting the ease would have been different, but not having been consulted, and knowing nothing about it, they would not meet that evening. Another operative said that he had seen Mr Graham that day, and he had never mentioned the meeting, or they would have had one.

Mr Fisher asked the press representatives to Btate that he had not called the meeting, and had not anything to do with it. After some discussion among themselves, Mr Fißher having left, the meeting, if snoh it could be called, came to an end with a sort of understanding that on Wednesday sight they might meet Mr

Fisher and hear his explanations, always provided that the meeting was called by Mr Graham. During the conversation that went on Mr Fisher asserted that he had » communication from Mr Millar, of the Marituns Union, which would clear him, and which, if they held the meeting, he would read and hand to .the press for publication ; but he would in-ist on the reporters being admitted to the next meetiug, so that the public generally might know exactly what was being done and judge between them. As the train left the station for ths city, there was some hooting by a section of the operatives who had assembled, but with the exception of some rather forcible language from both men and women, there was no other demonstration of feeling. The Committee— Messrs Graham, Johnson, Butler, and Cooper—appointed by the Trades and Labour Council to make inquiries as to whether the compact between the \\ ellington Woollen Company and the Trades and Labour and Maritime Councils is being faithfully carried out—accompanied by M«?srs P, K. Macdonald and Barber, repre* senting the Company, and Mr D. P. Fisher, president of the Maritime Council, went oat to Pitone on Tuesday and began their investigations.

CONFERENCE WITH THE COMMITTEE. The second stage of the investigation by Messrs Johnson, Butler and Cooper, as to whether the compact between the Woollen Mill Company and the employesis being carried ont satisfactorily, was reached on Wednesday night, when the Committee attended at the Working Men’s Club, Pitone, to hear what the operatives and ex-operativeo had to say. On arrival there at 7 o’dock no time was lost in getting to work, the Committee, together with Mr D. P. Fisher, proceeding into the Clubroom almost at once. Mr Johnsod, as chairman of the Committee, opened the proceedings hy suggesting that, as at the meeting on the previous evening the whole of the directors 1 and shareholders U - J not been present, it would be a 3 well if on that occasion they elected three or four of their Dumber to sit with the Committee in conference. He nrged that what was fair for one side was fair for the other, and he thought they would see that this proposal was the essence of fair play. (Hear, hear.) He wished to point out that this would not in any way interfere with their privilege of calling in those they wished to give evidence, and advised moderation a 3 best for both parties. Mr J. McKenzie asked if there had been any reporters in the Board-rootn along with the Committee when it sat on the previous evening. (Mr Johnson: No.) Then he could eav for the operatives and ex operatives that they did not think it right there should be one there that evening Mr Johnson was not sorry to hear this, as ths remotest impression of the minds of the committee should not be anticipated in any shape or form. He added that the report of Tuesday night’s meeting in the New Zealand Tunis had been supplied by himself, and was correct except in regard to one reference to Mr Graham, who was not on the Committee, but who held a brief fer the operatives, aod defended them ably (Hear, hear.) Tho sitting would ba in banco, and they would not trouble tha reporters. To show the necessity for keeping secret their views, he alluded to a rumour circulated by one of the evening papers to the effect that if their report was unfavourable the Directors would take steps to close the mill. He felt excessively sorry to sec such a rumour published, and he hoped they would all try to avoid any excitement. (Hear, hear.) Mr J. McKenzie: I understand that the three delegates only are to remain, and not Mr Fisher.

Mr Fisher ; I will go out, and stay out all the night, Mr Johnson : No. I went to Mr Fisher to-day. I may say he did not ride homo with ns last night—you know what I mean. Well, I went to him at lunch time to-day and told him we had a meeting to-night, and that we would like him to come out as he was out last night. He asked what purpose would be served, and 1 told him that I thought it would only be right he should attend both meetings, and he agreed to come. Let us do every man justice. In reply to Mr D. McKenzie Mr Johnson said the circular issued by the ex-operatives had been the basis of the Committee’s investigations. (Hear, hear.) Mr J. McKenzie again returned to the question of Mr Fisher sitting with the Commititee in bauco, and explained that they objected to his being there while Mr Graham (who had not then turned up) was absent. Mr Johnson s iid that Mr Fisher’s position was simply this : He was there to watch things on behalf of the statement he had made, fie (Mr Johnson) had said that Mr Giaham held a brief for them, but Mr Fisher at their last meeting had been unarmed, not having even a copy of the compact. In reply to one of the lady workers, Mr Johnson made some humorous remarks, but went on to say with respect to Mr Fisher that he had impressed on him strongly tho fact that he was bound hand and foot to the Council till his resignation as secretary was accepted. _Mr Fisher asked the Chairmau to favour him by not pressing the point as to his being present. As Mr Graham wa3 nut present he would retire.

Mr Johnson said that he would take it tha’ ‘ill Mr Graham came Mr Fisher was to rem an outside the conference (haar, bear), but he wished to impress on them that Mr Fisher was not on his trial. The present inquiry hsd been brought about in this way— Conflicting statements had been made by the President and Secretary of ths Trades and Labonr Council, and three of their number unacquainted with the details, who were known to be men of moderate views and of business habits (these were the expressions used by the Council), were appointed to get at the truth and report. (Hear, hear.} This was exactly as he had represented it to Mr Fisher the previous day. At this stage the Committee retired, and the following operatives were elected to sis with them Miss London, Messrs J,

McKenzie, J. Boyce, J. Ibell, and D. McKenzie. Our reporter was then requested to retire.

Mr Graham arrived by cab a few minutes after.

The conference sat with closed doors, and beard the ex.operatives side of the matter, taking evidence at length to enable the Committee to arrive at a decision.

By Electric Telegraph,—Copyright. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WHARF LABOURERS’ DIFFICULTY. Sydney, June 26. The Daily Telegraph in commenting on the wharf labourers’ difficulty, describes their position as wretchedly indefensible, and says s “No doubt they are aware of this themselves, but havingbeeome so accustomed in the pact to their employers first making the show of resistance and then finally yielding to their demands, they have been tempted to go to an absurd extreme.’' It concludes by stating that the men have now started to find that the employers have a semblance of backbone.

It is understood that the wharf labourers and the employers will hold another con* ference to-morrow, when, probably, the basis of arbitration will be arranged. The owners held a meeting to-day, and the labourers met to night, and there is just a hope that matters may be amicably arranged. Sydney, June 27. The difficulty between the wharf labourers and the Employers’ Union has been settled and a strike thus averted. The Conference between the men and the owners to-day extended over three hours, and the difficulty respecting the adjustment of the working hours under the eight hours system was arranged by making the hours movable between 6 in the morning and 6 in the evening, as the exigencies of shipping require. The men desired eight hours fixed in the day, but the employers objected, on the ground that it was unfair in consideration of the fluctuations of the shipping trade, especially in the variableness of intercolonial shipping, to have the ordinary working hours too much limited. The difficulty regarding overtime was easily surmounted, the men stating that an understanding had been arrived at between the labour bodies by which the seamen agree to waive the claim to work overtime. With reference to the employment of constant hands, it was agreed that the men be allowed to join the Union and receive regular weekly wages not to be less than L2 4s for 4S hours actually worked weekly between the agreed working hours under the eight hours system, thus securing the employers freedom of contract, which they demanded, whilst protecting the men against competition of non-union and under-paid men.

The claim for “smoke ho” during the day time was abandoned, the employers agreefng to allow a quarter of an hour at 9.30 in the evening and half an hour at 5.30 in the morning, whilst the men are carrying bagged stuff. Smoking time is to be paid for by the employers. The men gave an assurance to abide by these terms, and to resent any attempt at an alteration for a period of twelve months. Sydney, June 29.

At a largo meeting of the wharf labourers last night the action of their delegates at the conference with the employers was thoroughly endorsed. One of the chief difficulties with the wharf labourers, it is said, is owing to the large bags used by New Zealand shippers. London, June 27. Mr John Barns, in unfurling the South Dock Branob banner, emblematic of Austra* lian support, said the Dockers’ Union in London comprised 23.000 members, and in the provincial towns 30,000. _ Christchurch, June 26. The Early Closing Association decided to altar the name to the Shop Assistants’ Union, and to apply for federation to the Maritime Counoil, and to vote £5 to the funds of the Bakers’ Union for the support of the strikers. Auckland, June 27. At a meeting of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Federated Wharf Carters, Expresemen and Storemen’sUnion,the following resolution was passed “ That this Union cannot recognise the Knights of Labour as a labour organisation, and therefore should the Tailoresses’ Union join the Knights of Labonr we have no other alternative than to withdraw onr sympathy and support from the latter body. The impression which has obtained that the owners of the clothing factories in Auckland had combined to assist Mr Mcßride against the Tailoresses’ Union by refusing to give employment to any of the tailoresses out on strike has been denied by Mr Holle, a prominent clothing factory manager. He says all that the manufacturers did was to classify their woikpeople so as to be sure of the bona tides of any person who left one factory for another. The employes of Mcßride have formed for themselves a union which they call the Wholesale Tailors and Tailoresses’ Union of New Zealand. Dunedin, June 27. The Trades and Labour Council have decided to approve a proposition to observe October 28 as a labour day. A fair list of bakers is to be published. Every support is to be given to the early closing movement. Christchurch, June 27. The hairdressers’ assistants and carriers formed Unions hare to-night. Dunedin, June 27. The employes of the breweries and cordial factories to-night decided to form a Union and to try and induce others throughout the Colony to follow suit. Oamaru, June 29. For some time book a Shearers and Labourers’ Union has been in process of formation here, and it now has a large membership. The trades and other onions are affiliating With it. On Saturday a meeting of farmers waß held, 1 at which it was decided to form a Farmers and Employes’ Union, so that die-

pates and differences might be discussed by the two parties and, if possible, settled imirablv.

Christchurch, June 28. Last night the plasterers resolved to form a nnion, to be represented on the Conucil of the Building Operatives’ Union.

Greymouth, June 30. Mr Newton, President of the Grey Valley Miners’ Association, states that a meeting was held on Saturday evening to discuss Mr Martin Kennedy’s proposals, but was too thinly attended to warrant it arriviug at any decision. It was deoided that no aotion be taken respecting Mr Kennedy’s proposals until there ii an idle day, when all miners would be represented at a general meeting. A meeting is expected to be held during the week. The general feeling is that the miners will refuse to go back to the old system, and a'low the mines to be closed if the Company like. It is also understood that in Bnoh a case all the surface hands will receive notice, and the mines will be closed. Auckland, June 30. A Coastal Seamen’s Union has been formed here, under the auspices of the Knights of Labour.

• Dunedin, June 30. The farriers are preparing to form a Union.

Auckland, July 1. The journeymen tailors at their quarterly meeting resolved that they would not trade with non.nnion bakers, nor with grocers who were supplied with bread or biscuits by them, or who Bold under price.

Dunedin, July 1. At a meeting of bootmakers it was decided that if the union does not admit female machinists, &c., they should form a union among themselves. Greymouth, June 29. Mr Martin Kennedy, the managing director of the Grey Valley Coal Company, and the Brunnerton miners have been parleying regarding the price of hewing coal for the past two days, but without result. So far the proceedings have not been made knowu.

GrEYJUOUTH, July I. Mr Bishop, manager of the Grey Valley Coal Company, writes to the Coalminers’ Association asking them to allow a reduction of 20 per cent, on all hewing rates, and asserts that the miners are able to do this without their wages falling below a reasonable standard. He adds: “ Failing acceptance of this proposal, or some equitabio adjustment being made in the meantime, I am reluctantly compelled to give yon the following notice—That all the colliers must cease work on ana after Monday next.” The manager suggests, if the miners cannot agree, that the matters be referred to arbitration. Auckland, July 2. The Early Closing Association have formed themselves into a union under the name of the New Zealand Assistants’ Union, the object of which is to secure the Saturday half-holiday and six o’clock closing through, out the week.

Christchurch, July 2, A conference of the delegates of the Trades Unions and Friendly Societies to-night passed a resolution affirming the necessity for the early closing of retail shops, and recommending their Societies to urge their members not to accept goods delivered at their houses after six on Saturdays. The meeting also congratulated the railway servants on the success of their negotiations with the Commissioners. The members of the Tailors’ Union last night deoided to buy only the productions of the boot factories working under Union rules.

A movement is on foot to form a Penmen’s Union, to include all classes of penmen paid by salary or piecework for copying or compilation. THE AMALGAMATED MINERS. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Reefton, July 1. The Executive Council oi the Amalgamated Miners and Labourers’ Association of New Zealand, which is allied to the Maritime Council, is at present holding a session in Reefton. Delegates are present from Denniston, Brunnerton, Shag Point, West port, Cape Foulwind, Boatman’s, Ahaura, Kaimata, and Reefton, Mr J. Lomas (the president) in the chair. The present business is not of a very grave or important nature, principally dealing with matters of detail in connection with mutual protection and help of the workers.