TRADES AND LABOUR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9117, 16 May 1891, Page 2

TRADES AND LABOUR.

THB LABOUR BILLS. (Pbb Dhited Fbess Association.) Wellington, May 15. The Trades and Labour Council have acquiesced in the proposal of the Christchurch body that a conference of all trades councils in the colony should be held here during the sitting of Parliament for the purpose of discussing the labour bills. THB BOOTMAKERS' STRIKE. (Feom Oub Own Cobbesfondent.) Auckland .May 15, The meeting of the Operative Bootmakers' Union to-night re the strike passed off in a very orderly way. About 500 persons were present. The speeches made did not clear up the questions in dispute any further than already disclosed in the lengthy newspaper controversy. A vote of sympathy with the union was passed. The Manufacturers' Association, though invited to send representatives to discuss the question, allowed judgment to go by default and did not send delegates. So far as I can learn, the manufacturers are confident of being able to carry on, though the strikers state that they are good fur six months yet before talking of surrender. TRADES AND LABOUR COUNCIL. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Trades and Labour Council was held on Thursday night in the Council Rooms, New Zealand Insurance Buildings, when there was a large attendance of delegates, every affiliated union, with one exception, being represented. Afteraquantity of correspondance had been dealt with; the secretary read the half-yearly report and balance sheet which showed the council to be in a flourishing condition. The report and balance sheet were adopted. The election of officers was then proceeded with, when Mr Robertson, who had been nominated for the office of president, asked permission to withdraw his nomination in favour of Mr Pinkerton, who was not present at the previous meeting. Permission having beeu granted Mr Pinkerton was elected presideut with acclimation. Mr Judge, who had been nominated ror the office of vice-president, also retired in "avonr of Mr Robertson, who was declared jlected. Mr R. Slater was elected secretary; Mr 3. Purcaes, treasurer; Messrs Ash and Scoones, mditors; Messrs Spears and Gardner, trustees. i.fter some other formal business the meeting vas closed.