SOUTHLAND SAWMILL WORKERS' UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3330, 9 January 1918, Page 22

SOUTHLAND SAWMILL WORKERS' UNION.

The annual meeting of the Southland Sawmill Workers' Union was held at Inyercargill on the 28th ult., Mr George Williams in the chair. The annual report stated that more than 500 fellow workers had left to take their part in the titanio struggle in which 'the' Empire is engaged. Many of their old mates., the bravest and host, would never return. Their bones lio somewhere in France or on Gallipoli. They should show their appreciation of what tlicir mates were doing by seeing that justice was done to those who returned maimed in their service, and to the widows and orphans of those whose bones are whitening in those lands beyond the sea. The number of members at present engaged in the' industry is only about 460, as against over 1000 prior to 'the war. It is not too much to say that 300 or 400 men could be placed at once in the various mills. During the year the seci*etary had spen t Ifo days in organising work, with the' resiilt that 150 new members were on the roll. The present award expires in June next. The income for the year amounted to £548 14s lOd, and the expenditure £653, which included £196 for new motor car. The liabilities were nil, and the assets amounted to £7BO. In 'the discussion which ensued on the motion to adopt the report, reference was made to the g'ood work done by the secretary and null deleg-ates. The following office-bearers were elected:—President, Mr John M'Leay (Tussock Creek); vice-presiden'f%—Messrs James Faulkner (Bush Siding), R. Donaldson (Gorge Road), and George Williams (Wooclonr!): treasurer, Mr George Braxton (Invereargill); auditor, Mr L. Neil (Invercargfll). Tho matter of drawing up the proposed new award was left to tho executive. The retiring president was voted £5.