UNITED FEDERATION OF LABOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16120, 8 July 1914, Page 8

UNITED FEDERATION OF LABOUR

OPENING OF CONFERENCE. (Pkb Umtsd Phess Association.) WELLINGTON, July 7. A conference of unions convened by tho United Federation of Labour, for the purpose of further solidfying the forces of Labour and linking up with the recentlyformed Federation of Labour in Australia, met this morning, 74 delegates being present. Mr J. Rigg (Wellington) was appointed oliairman, Sir l>. J. Sullivan deputychairman, and Mr P. H. Hickey secretary.

Tho following k tho official report of the proceedinge supplied to the press:— The conference mot at 10 o'clock this morning, 74 delegates being present. Further dolegateis will arrive to-day and tomorrow, bringing tho total number, it is expected, up to about, 100. Mr J. Dowgray (vice-president of the United Federation of Labour) welcomed, tho delegates. Mr J. Rigg. ex-M.L.C, wae elected chairman, and Mr D. J. Sullivan (representing tho Canterbury Furniture Trades' Union) deputychairman. Mr P. H. Hiokey was appointed secretary. It was decided that, with the exception of the Maori]and Worker representative, tho press be not admitted. Tho foHowing were appointed a Press Committee to furnish toho official .report:—Messrs A. Rosser, J. Donnelly, C. Smith, J. Towneond, and J. Read. The time for speakers wae limited to fivo minutes each. Messrs M. Fagan, R. A. Sinr-eon, and G. Stone were appointed a Credentials Committee to examine the credentials of al delegates, to see that only bona fido representatives are present. Mr Roeeer moved a hearty voto of welcome to the Labour M.P.'s who were present on the nlatform. The members present were Messrs R. Webb, J. Payne, J. M'Combs. and J. Robertson. The voto was carried bv aeck.'m.a.tion, and Mr Robertson replied on behalf of the members. It was decided that fihe four members named, with tho addition of Messrs W. A. V pitch and A. H. Hindmarsh, be allowed- to take part in the deliberations of the conference. Mr .7. Dawgray was appointed timekeeper. At tho aiftornoon sitting all the dekgatre prer sent were accepted as members of the conferenoo. A special rommittec was sot up to draft recommendations, which are to be confined to ttie industrial form of the organisation, and the conference adjourned.'