TRADES UNIONS CONGRESS.

Colonist, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11556, 17 February 1906, Page 3

TRADES UNIONS CONGRESS.

Recieved February 16, 10. 25 p. m. London, February 16. The Premier and Mr Asquith received the Committee of the Trade i Unions Congress, who urged the | recognition of the right of public j servants to combine, and also urged the provision of old age pensions. Sir H. C. Bannerman said it was much safer to frankly and honestly recognise, as Mr Buxton had done, these associations where grievances of a class existed. Great advantage would be received from the representations of proper trusted officials. He was in sympathy with tbe deputation as to old age pensions, but where could they find the money. Mr Asquith said it was not a question of aims, but he saw no reasonable prospect of providing a fund. The only way to achieve this other reform would be to reduce extravagance, reduce the debit, and bring the country's finances into a healthier and sounder condition, which was the Government's fixed intention. .