CONFERENCE OF IRONMASTERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12600, 2 March 1903, Page 3 (Supplement)

CONFERENCE OF IRONMASTERS.

(From Otm Own Corresfondext.) WELLINGTON, February 22. At the annual conference of the New Zealand Ironmasters' Association, which has just been held here, officers were olcctcd as follows:—President, Mr J. P. Luke (Wellington); vice-presidents, Messrs George Fraser (Auckland), J. L. Scott (Ciiristchureh), J. Sparrow (Duncdin)'; trustees, Messrs J. L. Scott and J. Duncan (Christchurch); auditor. Mr G. \Y. Hulmc (Christchurch). Tho conference interviewed Mcssw l'onayne (general manager of New Zealand railways} and Realty '(chief mechanical engineer) with regard to the locomotive contracts. Mr Ronaync intimated that it' was tho desire of the--Government to have the work executed in-the-colony, and to attain that end likely tenderers-wonkl have every possihlo assistance from- - tire department. Mr Uonayne also - intimated that tho time for receiving tenders' would bo extended to 31st May, 1903 Mr J. P. Luke, at the conclusion of tho interview, tendered to Messrs Itonayno and Beatty tho thanks of the conference for their ■ kindness in assisting so materially 't-hc ironmasters in dealing with the contract.' It wli's decided that a conference should bo bold during the first session of the new Parliament to bring before the notice of the Government tho disabilities under which the .ironmasters ot tho colony are working in reference to the tariff, and to make suggestions for its amendment. In view of the proposed increase of rates for insurance under tho Workmen's Compensation. lor. .Accidents. Act, the Employers' Liability Act, and tho employers' liability at common law, action will be taken by the Ironmasters' Association to secure the most favourable ami-uniform rates possible from t'lic various insurance companies. If satisfactory arrangements cannot -be a.rrived at it was suggested that the association should consider the advisability of taking its own risks.