TRADES AND LABOUR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6910, 21 July 1890, Page 3

TRADES AND LABOUR.

THE CANTERBURY COUNCIL. The fortnightly meeting of the Trade 3 and Labour Council was held in the new offices, Colonial Insurance Buildings, High street, on Saturday evening. The President (Mr Parker) occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of delegates, representing nearly every affiliated Society. The Parliamentary and Belfast Committees reports were read and adopted. The former referred to the various Labour Bills now before the House, and suggested alterations and amendments in them for the better carrying out of the objects aimed at} also asking M.H.E.'s of the Province to urge upon the Government the necessity of at once proceeding with these measures bo that no unnecessary delay would occur in placing them upon the Statute book. The Belfast Committee brought up a lengthy report on the mattes of the difficulty which had been in existence with regard to that Union. It also detailed the negotiations which had been proceeding with the Directors during the past two weeks, and further stated that a satisfactory settlement of the whole matter had been arrived at, with the exception of a few minor points, which would be decided later on. The report stated that the Directors would in future recognise the principles of Unionism, and all the employees are to be enrolled as members of the Society. The Committee wished to place upon record the courteous manner in which they were received by the Directors, who afforded every assistance to the deputation in arriving at an amicable termination of the difficulty, the interviews being all through marked by a spirit of friendliness and good feeling. A deputation from the management of the Trades and Labour Chronicle waited upon the Council with, reference to that newspaper, and asked for official recognition. Their request was also supported by correspondence laid upon the table. Tbe members of the deputation and the Council having gone into the whole question of a labour organ and arranged certain matters thereto, and the objects for which it is to be carried on, it was moved and unanimously adopted— " That the Trades and Labour Chronicle be the official newspaper of this Council, providing it is carried on in the interest* of labour organisations." The: Carriers' Association wrote asking for affiliation, and the application was referred to the Affiliation Committee. A similar request was also received from the Dairymen b Association, which, being a union of employers, was not entertained. A lengthy communication was received from the Retailers' Association with, regard to a series of resolutions carried by that Society. The subject was referred to the Assistants' Union for consideration. From the Resident Secretary of the Colonial Life Assurance Company with regard to the suite of offices and other matters of detail. The action of the Executive was confirmed, and as Boon as the lease is made oat to be completed by tbe proper officers of the Council. A letter was received from a cabinetmaker in Christchurch, asking for assistance to. form an Association of journeymen working at that trade. It stated that at present the trade was in a depressed owing ..to , undue competition among the. workmen, 'together : with' the aamewaß improTers -and • others. -fijand workingafe the lowest possible wag&s; ';!$

was reßolved to assist in the formation of a Union, as suggested, as soon as opportunity afforded. Also, from the Dunedin Trades - Council, requesting that steps be taken to : form a Canterbury branch of millers and P millworkers, a Felltnongers' and Tanners' , Association, and a Timber and Sawmillers' r Union. It was decided that action be 1 taken as soon as practicable to carry out > the above. f The Bakers' Operative Union wrote with j regard to the dispute now existing between . the Society and Borne of the master bakers, i and the matter was held over for further ' information. 1 Trie question of arranging- a programme 1 to carry out the proposed Demonstration Day in October next was then gone into, . and correspondence read upon the subject. • Tho desire was expressed by the delegates that the occasion should partake of a 1 national character, extending throughout L New Zealand. After discussion, it was resolved to hold a special meeting of the . Council on July 26, invitation to be sent to the Maritime Council and Wharf j Labourers' Union at Lyttelton to send 1 representatives to the meeting ; the subject then to be taken in hand and carried ■ out in a manner worthy the importance of the anniversary and the Societies affiliat&d together in Cantnrbury. The Secretary reported upon the office , accommodation provided and the requisites ' necessary for the convenience of the , Societies wishing to make use of them. ! After consideration, it was resolved that the Executive take immediate steps to com- , plete the furnishing of the whole of the rooms under the control of the Council, and arrange the rental to be charged. ; The Secretary also reported upon the , " Fair-traders' List," which had been comi piled, and it was ordered to be published in the nexb issue of the Labour Chronicle, , the list to be supplemented as occasion requires. ; A matter affecting the welfare of some , members of the Amalgamated Labourers' Union of Christchurch was reported upon. ; It was alleged that these mm had been discharged from their work in consequence of being Union men, and their places filled by non-Unionists. The subject was deemed of such importance as to call for immediate action, and a special meeting of , tho Council was arranged for July 21 to consider the affair and take evidence. , A motion relative to the formation of a Boilermakers' Society at Dunedin was ; discussed and adopted, and after the usual routine business and the passing of accounts the Council adjourned.