MR BEN TILLET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5804, 23 February 1897, Page 2

MR BEN TILLET.

RECEPTION AT DUNEDIN.

On the arrival of the steamer Aotea at Port Charmers on Sunday, the Reception Committee from the Trades and Labour Council, Otago Knights of Labour, and Unaffiliated Trades Unions, consisting of Messrs J. A. Millar, M.H.E., Slater, Burgess, Belcher and Mac watt, proceeded on board the vessel to meet Mr Ben Tillett. After a short conversation that gentleman accompanied them on shore, where (says the Otago Daily Times) he was met by several others connected with the unions, and afterwards came on to Dunedin. Mr Tillett has enjoyed excellenthealth during the passage. His present intention is to visit the various ports in New Zealand, and return Home again by the Aotea. A telegram from Dunedin states that Mr Tillett was accorded a public reception last evening by the labour unions and others. Mr S. C. Lyon, president of the Trades and Labour Council, presided, and among those present were the Hon W. M. Bolt and Mr J. A. Millar, M.HiR. Mr Tillett was presented with an address of welcome, and in replying he spoke for some thirty-five minutes. He urged the workers to combine. Capital was always ready to combine when there was any purpose to serve, and labour should follow the example. He gave a history of the labour movement in England, and said that the opposition to unionism was more strenuous than ever. Mr Tillett was also presented with an original poem written in his honour. Although his health has improved he is far from well. He intends visiting the lakes district, and should his health permit will deliver an address when Tie returns.