TRADES AND LABOUR CONFERENCE.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13087, 22 April 1911, Page 4

TRADES AND LABOUR CONFERENCE.

[ U kited Press Association . ]

Christchurch, April 21. At the social function held last night in connection with the Trades and Labour Council's conference, Mr E. Trcgear, tho ex-Secretary of tho Labour Department, was presented with an illuminated address, and on behalf of Mrs Tregear with a purse of sovereigns. In the course of his acknowledgment Mr Tregoar said some bitter attacks had been made on the Conciliation and Arbitration Acts. He had been silent for 21 years (laughter) and now he wanted'to tell them his real position, until the workers were actually and practically determined to make an end to the- competitive wage system, they would never find a principle so just and sane as that of arbitration. That was his opinion twenty years ago, and that was his opinion still. The arbitration system did not belong to the past but to the future. Mr. Tregear concluded his speech amid rousing cheers, and a renewal of the demonstration which had preceded his address.

The conference concluded to-day, when the order paper was cleared. Amongst the remits agreed to were those urging the Government to provide a State ferry between the North and South Islands ; State owned collieries; and the abolition of all private registry offices.

The next conference will be held at Wellington.

The Canterbury Trades and Labour Council was appointed as the executive for the year.