THE SHEARERS AND LABOURERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2097, 3 May 1894, Page 20

THE SHEARERS AND LABOURERS' UNION.

Christchurch, April 25. The annual conference of the New Zealand

Amalgamated Shearers and General Labourers' Union was opened to-day, Mr J. W. Kelly, M.H.R., presiding. The president, in his opening address, referred at considerable length to the progress made by the union, and the condition of labour generally. The general secretary submitted his annual report, which dealt in detail with the work of the branches. It could fairly be estimated that the membership was as follows :— North Island 600, Marlborough 200 Canterbury 1200, Otago *50, Southland 350 ; or a grand total of 2800, an increase for the year of 800 members. During the late shearing season members had been supplied with ballot papers for the purpose of allowing the executive to obtain a consensus of opinion on several questions affecting the interests of the union, and although it had been carried that the name of the union should be changed to the "New Zealand Workers' Union," that a newspaper be estabhshed in the interests of unionism, that a death benefit scheme be adopted, that shears bo imported by the society, and that the subscription be raised to 10s per annum, still it was matter for regret that only about 700 voted Reference was made to the disputes atßowland station, Wairarapa, and Benmore station, Otago, and the necessity for a universal shed agreement was urged. Ib was subject for congratulation that through the instrumentality of the Government electoral rights had been obtained for shearers, but it was thought the system could be extended with advantaae by making rights available for all absent voters. Moreover they should possess them for licensing and other elections. The report and balance sheet were adopted.

April 27 The Shearers' and General Labourers' Conference concluded to-night. A motion was earned that m view of the great advantage scoured to the workers of this colony as a result of the election of labour representatives the conference wished the Now South Wales Labour party success at the general election in that colony. It was resolved to congratulate the Australian Shearers' Union on the successful issue of the recent conference, whioh resulted in the amalgamation of the Shearers' and General Labourers' Unions. It was suggested that the workers of other colonies be warned as to the true state of the labour market in New Zealand with the view of preventing an influx into the colony. It was deoided that the next conference be held at Temuka.