DRAPERS' ASSISTANTS' UNION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8792, 30 April 1890, Page 3

DRAPERS' ASSISTANTS' UNION.

. A general meeting of members of the Draperß* I Assistants' Union was held in the V.M.C.A. Rooms, Moray place, last night, Mr James Todd occupying tho chair. There was an excellent attendance of members. The CHAItIMAN, in a few introductory remarks, gavo an outline of the business of the evening, after , wbich - Tbe Sbcketahv (Mr W. Q. M'Millan) read the rules, and it was moved by Mr Bmtte_d_n. and seconded by Mr G. Kohn—"That the rules as read ] be adopted." This was carried unanimously. As was stated in these columns some time ago, fcbe maiu object of the union is to promote the closing of all drapers, bDOfc. furnishing, and outfitters' shops at the uuiform bour of 6 p ra., to advertise and regulate holidays, and to work in the interests of getting a half holiday during the week Mr Brows moved, and Mr A. Millar seconded— " That Mr J. F M. Fraser (solicitor) be elected president of fcbe union." Both gontlemen spoke of Mr Fraser's undoubted qualifications for the offlce, alter which tbe motion was put and carried by acclamation. The Chairmas made a few remarks on the advisability of the union affiliating with tha Trades acd Labour Council, and was followed by MrPiXKKRTON. delegate from the council, who spoke afc leugth on l the benefits to be obtained by the union through : snch a step. Uo also pointed out that tbe main thing to be kept in view was to act in no way which . the employers might interpret as being against their i interests. Tbo employes should do everything they ! could to avoid friction with their employers, and if they only did this matters betweeu both parties j would be aB harmonious as ifc was possible fco wish fchem fco be. He beld fchafc fche membara of a union could do as much in the interest of their employers as they could do inthtir own, and a good work would be done if employers and others could only be made to divest tlieir mind of the opinion that a union , was oprosed to thero. Mr Howard moved—" That the Drapers' Assis- 1 tautß' Union roake immediafce application to be affiliated with the Trades and Labour Council." He spoke for some time on the matter, urging the desirability of such a step being taken as was set forth in tbe motion. ■ Mr A. Konjf seconded the motion, which was also 1 supported by Messrs Brittenden, Fowler, and Hueny., ; Mr Corrigas moved as an amendment, aud Mr Harlock seconded—" That this question bedeferred till this night fortnight." The motion was carried by a large majority, and i Messrs Todd and Brittenden were elected to represent the union on the council. The following resolution was unanimously adopted—"Agreed, that no member of fchis union purchase in shops of auy kind after 6 p.m., and further that no member of tbe union purchase in any shop during the day that does not close at 6 p.m." Vpjfcaß of thanks to Mr Pinkerton for his attendance and Incid addreßs, the committee for drawing I up tbe rules, and the chairman for presiding cou- I eluded the meeting. I