OPERATIVE BOOTMAKERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3772, 29 June 1926, Page 16

OPERATIVE BOOTMAKERS.

JUBILEE SOCIAL. About 300 persons attended the jubilee social of the Dunedin Operative Bootmakers’ Union on Wednesday in Tudor Hall (Savoy buildings). Among those present were Mr F. M. Robson (representing the Christchurch Union, the Bootmakers’ Federation, and the Auckland Union), Mr J. F. Arnold, of Timaru (pastpresident of the union), representatives of the Otago Labour Representation Committee, the Otago Labour Council, Trades Hall Board of Trust, Tailoresses’ Union, Boot Repairers’ Union, Workers’ Educational Association, and the Labour Department. The early part of the evening was spent in dancing and music. Items were contributed by Mr A. Taylor, Miss Anita Winkel, Miss Agnes Guy, and Mr J. A. Paterson. Later in the eevning Mr S. C. Brown presented Mr A. Paine with a gold medal in recognition of his services to the union. Mr Brown said that Mr Paine had proved a very valuable member for many years past, but he had to sever his connection with the organisation owing to his promotion to the position of foreman. Mr G. O. Crowther, president, and one of the founders of the union, extended a cordial welcome to the members of kindred societies present. He referred to the fact that the members of the union had responded in a whole-hearted manner to the committee’s efforts to make the jubilee celebration a success. The union held a high place in the community, as. it was one of the oldest and one of the best-conducted unions in the Dominion. The union was indebted to the efforts put forward by Messrs Arnold and Paul. Mr Arnold was the union’s first assessoi in the Arbitration Court, and Mr Paul had done good ork in compiling the history of the union. Mr J. T. Paul proposed the toast of “The Dunedin Operative Bootmakers’ Union.” He said it was a great honour to speak to the toast of the fiftieth anniversary of the anion, and he was pleased to say that some of the oldest members were still with them. These men had borne the burdens of the union, and the younger members were indebted to them. The jubilee celebration was a matter of great interest, especially when it was the jubilee of such an important organisation as the Dunedin Operative Bootmakers’ Union. Tho toast was responded to by Mr F. Jones. He paid a tribute not only to the present members of the union, but also to those who, prior to the introduction of the Conciliation and Arbitration Act, fought many fights in an endeavour to protect and improve the conditions of the bootmaking industry. Ihe thanks of the union were due to these men who laid the foundation of the present society, because in past days to be a trade unionist, especially an active, one, often meant oppression and victimisation. So far as the present union was concerned it numbered about ' 200 members. The union had a good credit balance, and he doubted if any other union assisted appeals to the same extent as the present Bootmakers’ Union. This has been a continuation of the policy laid down by the ea.-ly pioneers, and this policy had resulted in affiliation with the Trade Council. The union was at present endeavouring to improve its status. Tt was contended that their trade was a skilled one, and after apprentices served a period of five years they should receive the highest skilled rate of pay. This principle prevailed in other countries, including Australia, and he thought that tho Arbitration Court in New Zealand would give the bootmakers a fair deal. So far as the girls were concerned, they served an apprenticeship of five years, but they were not entitled to the privileges of an apprentice. He urged all to take an interest in their trade union—an interest which would result in increased solidarity, and in turn be the means of giving them improved working conditions and better wages. The toast of “Kindred Societies and the Visitors” was proposed by Mr A. Smiley, and replied to by several representatives of kindred societies. A splendid supper was served, after which dancing was continued. The music was supplied by the Savoy Novelty Band.