LABOUR COUNCILS' CONFERENCE.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12680, 27 October 1909, Page 3

LABOUR COUNCILS' CONFERENCE.

[ United Press Association. ] Wellington, Oct. 26. The Labour- Councils' Conference to-day passed a resolution requesting the executive to consider the question of additional representation at all British labour conferences and to report to their individual councils for instructions to Wellington. A remit, "Thai in view of the steady increase in the ranks of the unemployed, the Conference be requested to consider the question of unemployment, and to suggest mehods for the immediate checking of the increase and for the alleviation of distress amongst the unemployed workers" was carried. It was also decided, on a recommendation from Auckland, to urge the Government to bring down a Right to Work Bill. The Hon J. Barr moved: That State farms should bo established, and a comprehensive system of State re-af-forestation be instituted, where the unemployed should have the right to claim employment at a living wage. Mr Barr said at present afforestation work was being done by law breakers, therefore it would be better for honest men to break the law than keep it. He wished to obtain employment. The motion was carried. Resolutions were also passed urging the State to subsidise trade unions or other organisations which insure their members against unemployment ; also xirging the need for legislation for establishing a weekly day of rest, and asking for a Royal Commission on the best means to prevent the evil of unemployment.