KNIGHTS OF LABOUR.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1169, 27 July 1894, Page 36

KNIGHTS OF LABOUR.

The district meeting of Knights of Labour from the Wellington, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay and Westland provincial districts concluded a two days' sitting on Monday. The following were the principal resolutions carried: —That the Government be asked to bring in a Bill to compel local bodies to bring into force the living wage principle in all their contracts. That the assembly urge on the Government the advisability of establishing a national system of fire insurance. That the Government appoint inspectors of liquor for the Colony, and that Government be asked to subsidise country libraries. That the Government provide f° r the licensing of billiard-rooms and compel them to close at the same hour as licensed hotels. That the Government be requested to establish a national paper currency. That universal school requisites be provided for all State schools, and that J. H. Pope's " The State " be issued free to sixth standard pupils. That the advisability of establishing old age pensions bo considered by Parliament. That contractors' workmen have the same right of preferential claim for wages against the contractors' employer as ordinary workmen. That the attention of the Minister for Public Works be drawn to the fact that railway bridge-hands and permanent way-men are at a disadvantage in wet weather, often being 40 or 50 miles away from home and obliged to stay by their work within call of the foreman, without pay for that time, and pray that this be remedied, the rule book making no provision for bridge-hands or permanent way-men in any way. That the Government be requested to improve the cooperative system as at present conducted by furnishing to the party, within a reasonable time before commencing any contract which will amount in the aggregate to over ,£2O, a return showing the estimated gross measurement of the several kinds of work to be done, together with the price of such work. That the clerk of works shall be consulted by the Engineer-in-chief as to the value of any or all of the work to be undertaken, and also as to the qualifications of the men requiring employment. That the prices given should be sufficient to enable experience! workmen to earn the current rate of wages, with 15 per cent, added for contingencies; and in the event of more than the said 15 per cent, being* earned the Government shall retain all above that amount. That it is desirable that the Local Bodies Finance and Powers Act be amended so that loan polls shall be decided by a majority of those who register their votes, instead of by a majority of those on the roll as at present. That it would be an unwise policy to borrow money for the purpose of carrying on any large scheme of public works. That the Government be requested to amend the present Alcoholic Liquors Bill, to repeal the clause requiring half of those whose names appear on the roll to vote before effect can be given, retaining the clause in reference to the three-fifths vote. That the Minister of Education be asked to prohibit married women, whose husbands are in a position to support them, from teaching in the public schools. That the next district meeting be held in Eltham in January next.

On Monday night a very pleasant “ social,” in honour of the delegates visiting Wellington, Avas held in the Bechabite Hall, Manners street, Avhen there was a large number of ladies and gentlemen present, Mr E. A. Wright presiding. District Blaster Workman Temperlej, from the HaAvke’s Bay district, explained at length the history and origin of the order and the benefits of membership. Mr F. Pirani, 81.H.8., stated that though the organisation has been only established within the past four years in the Colony, it was very much alive, and had now 50 to 60 assemblies Avorking in A'arious districts, and 14 representative members in the present Parliament; and though not endeavouring as a society to gain political influence, except as a means to advance the cause of Avorkers and prevent injustice to members, still he claimed that a large number of the lately passed measures had for years been strenuously advocated by the organisation, notably the women’s franchise. The Hon J. Carroll apologised for his colleagues’ inability to be present, owing to stress of work, and on behalf of the Ministry he expressed his strong sympathy Avith the good Avoi'k done by the Knights of Labour in their efforts to benefit mankind. The Government always glad to receive the auxiliary aid of such organisations, and any suggestions that would strengthen their hands in benefiting the country. During the evening refreshments were supplied, and songs were given by Mesdames Snaddon and Taylor, Miss Yeomans, Blessrs Coltman, Turnbull and Johnson, and recitations by Mr Norton.