NEW ZEALAND WORKERS’ UNION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVII, Issue 2641, 16 October 1895, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND WORKERS’ UNION.

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BRANCH IN WELLINGTON. A public mooting under the auspices of the New Zealand Workers’ Union was hold in the Exchange Buildings last night. Mr J. W. Kelly, M.H.R, presided, and there was a large attendance of workers. Mr J. F. Mercier produced his credentials testifying to his having been appointed by the head office of the Union as organiser for the Union for tha North Island. Mr Mercier also read a.list of those men who had given in their names as willing to become members of-the Union if a branch was formed in Wellington. The Chairman emphatically denied a rumour thutjhad been circulated that Mr Mercier was a blackleg during the recent strike. He also stated that if a branch of the Union was formed in Wellington 50 per cent, of the contributions would have to go to the Executive, but he would approach the Executive with a view of having that amount remitted, as the expenses of forming a branch would be very heavy. He also urged the men to work harmoniously together, and welcome any man into their ranks from another Union as long as he could show his clearance card and that he Geft the former Union honourably and paid up his dues. After having formed a branch of the Union, they might consider as to the formation of a benefit scheme, which would perhaps attract many men who would otherwise have no real sympathy with them. They might also initiate a sick fund on a small scale, but he was convinced that if some such schemes as these Iwere not attached to, unions in the future it would be with the utmost difficulty that they would got working men to come within their ranks. There was, he was certain; no time at which there was more necessity for organisation than the present, and he gave an instance of an employer hafing recently reduced wages. Mr Mercier said ho was certain the executive did not expect any percentage of tha receipts of the branch to be sent to the general fund for the first year. Tha Chairman, in reply to a question, said there were about 2CDO members of tlio Union in the South Island. Ho could not explain why the minimum wage paid to workmen under the Public Works Department was 7s 6d a day and under the Lands Department 6s a day. He thought the grievances from which men suffered with regard to wages, supply of tools,’ &c., were due to the officers of the departments. Ho thought it the workers were strongly organised they could get these grievances rectified.

It was decided to form a branch of the Union, and most of those present gave in their names as members. While this was going on. Mr J. A. Millar, M.H.E., addressed the meeting. The unionism of the future, ho said, would not be the unionism of the past, but would be simply a moans whereby they could control :the Legislature. By means of this Workers’ Union they could, by solid combination, control both municipal and general politics, but unless they were prepared to sink thoir individual opinions and work together as ono man they could not got that representation which they desired. He believed the time had arrived when they would have to fix a miuijnnm wage for each adult worker, for they must do something to counteract the sweating which was being carried on and attempted all over the Colony. He strongly urgod them to choose us their representatives men from amongst themselves, and then they would stand a good chanco of being properly represented. 1 Ho hoped and boliovod they would make the branch a great success, and ho would he always happy and willing to assist them. (Applause.) The Chairman advised the man not to depend entirely on political action, but to use their organisation to improve thoir social condition, apart from the political aspect of tho question. (Applause.) The election of officers for tho ensuing six months was then proceeded with, and a strong committee was appoinied. Tho meeting concluded with votes of thanks to the chairman and Mr Millar for itheir presence and assistance. Mr Mercier was also heartily thanked for his labours in the cause, and the press representatives were thanked for their attendance. At a committee meeting immediately afterward, it was decided to call a general meeting to be held at the office of tho Union on Friday, between 12 noon and 1 , p.m., for the purpose of registering ;tho . ■ branch under the Industrial Arbitration ’'- h and Conciliation Act.\ By Telegraph.-—Press Association'. Waimate, October 15. A resolution has boon 1 passed by the executive of the Workers’ Union thanking tho Hon W. P. Beeves and Messrs J. W. Kelly and Collins, M’s.H.E., for thoir sympathy in the labour movement, as showtt by their attendance at the public meeting held in connection with the opening of the Wellington branch, of the Workers’ Union.