N.Z. WORKERS' UNION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1261, 30 April 1896, Page 38

N.Z. WORKERS' UNION.

Tho annual conference of delegates from the various branches of tho Now Zealand Workers’ Union took place at Oamaru on April 22. Christchurch, Waimate, Geraldine, Winton and Hawke’s Bay were represented by delegates, and several unions were represented by proxy. The president’s address referred to the position of the Society as satisfactory, and looked forward to more advanced legislation in the interests of the workers.

Tho roport showed that £9O less had been expended this year than last.

Tho sum of £lO was voted to tho Brunner Fund.

Tho following officers woro appointed President, Mr 'J lies. Brown ; vice-president, Messrs AY. 11. Lundon, A If. Walker, M. Kennedy; treasurer, Mr If. E. Mann; trustees, Messrs J. Connor, J. Sullivan, A. Shirley ; auditors, Messrs A. M. Taafo and E. Burrell; general secretary, Mr J. O’Brien.

It was moved that conferences be held every three years in the month of April ; but, after discussion, the matter was hold over.

It was decided that no member, excepting tho executive, president and secretary be allowed to attend tho conferences. Tire Ashburton branch was reconstructed apart from that at Christchurch. It was decided that the conferences be held as hitherto.

Members who had paid 10s during tho past shearing season were granted a free certificate for 1897.

It was decided to obtain payment of moneys owing by tho Australian Workers’ Union.

Notice of motion was given that tho next Conference frame a rule that tho election of officers be by general ballot. The next Conference is to bo held at Waimate.

Satisfaction was expressed with the con-

dition of balance - sheets from Timartt, Geraldine, Winton and Waimate; but explanations wero asked for from Tapanui, Gore and Wellington as to their balancesheets.

It was decided to urge upon the Government the advisableness of legislating private benefit societies out of existence, as they effectively destroy our admirable friendly societies, and rob the workers of every vestige of freedom, and copies cf this were ordered to be sent to all labour and liberal associations in the Colony. It was decided to urge upon tho Government the necessity of pushing on the Local Government Bill with all despatch, as the present method of electing local bodies on a property basis is detrimental to the best interests of tho community.

The Conference approved of the appointment of a Royal Commission to enquire into the Brunner disaster.

Congratulations were extended to the Women’s Convention, hut regret was expressed that the Undesirable Immigrants Bill had been condemned.

The residential qualification in general elections was approved. With regard to station accommodation, it was tesolved to ask tho Government to take tip Major Steward’s Shearers’ Accommodation Bill.

A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Flatman for tho manner in which ho had worked for the unemployed at Geraldine. It was resolved to take action to make the Christchurch branch comply with the rules.

A vote of thanks was passed to the president, and the Conference terminated.