PAINTERS' CONFERENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11730, 21 June 1916, Page 6

PAINTERS' CONFERENCE.

MEETING OF EMPLOYERS' REPRE SENTATIVES. PROCEEDINGS COMMENCED IX CHRISTCHURCH. Representatives of tho Christchurch Master Painters' Association and delegates from associations in various parts of New Zealand met this morning in tho Employers' Association rooms in Oashel Street, to take part in the proceedings of tho first- annual conierenco. Though the master painters of tho Dominion liave luid local associations, there lias been no united governing body, and one of the principal objects of the assemblage of master representatives will bo for the purpose of forming a Dominion association, which shall be known as the Now, Zealand Federation of Master Painters, Decorators and Signwriters. The conference will also, discuss matters tha.t will be in tho general interest of the trade. The subjects to be debilerated upon will include technical education of apprentices (to be introduced by Mr J. B. Chetwin), awards (Mr W. A. Poison), contracts (Mr T. Collins), health inspection of factories and buildings (Mr E. J. Bell) and competency certificates (Timaru delegate). Tho proceedings were commenced about eleven o'clock. Mr D. (Christchurch), who presided, extended a very hearty welcome to the delegates, numering twenty-five. _ Mr Leo read several apologies and said he regretted that Invercargill was not represented. There Lid been some disagreement, in tho southern city, and the masters had not been .able to decide tho question of sending a representative. Mr Leo referred to the state of the trade and general, conditions, and said that it was most necessary that a Dominion association should be formed. .llulos had been drafted and it was proposed to hold conferences annually in different, centres, to exchange ideas and io not only govern their affairs but to pus the trade on .tho best footing possible. Tho employees -were filing for higher wages and employers must combine and act as one body in sott-protection. Mi Eeo referred to the subjects that would be discussed during the conierotice, and trusted that tho proceedings would provoMiighlv successful. He concluded by wishing the delegates a happy time during their.stay in Christchurch. Mr W. Duggan, ono of tho oldest master'painters of Christchurch, addressed a few remarks to delegates concerning the importance of forming a federated governing body, as did Mitt. Hates (Kaiapoi). Delegates from north and south were then introduced by tho chairman, and Messrs W. Nicol (Wellington), P. Birch (Aucklond), 0. Allomes (Wauganui). W. R. Coopor (Timaru) and Donan (Ashburton) were welcomed with hearty approbation. The full lift of representatives is as follows: —Messrs D. Lee (Christchurch, president of the_ conference). P. Birch (Auckland), W. Nicol (Wellington). 0. Allomes (Wanganui), W. R. Cooper (Timaru\ J. Donan (Ashburton), P. Bate (Kaiapoi) and J. A. Lummis, F. A. C. Hebden. J. B. Chetwin, J. Bowden, E. J. Bell. W. Green, A. Bradley. W. Bissett, H. Hunter, P. Patten. T. Collins. G. Compton. C. Bey. W. Dngcan. C. Cooper. W. Frith and W. A. Poison and E. 1. nek wood (of Christohurrh). Mr H. lioH.md (Mayor of Christchurch) paid a visit to the conference during the morning sitting and extended a very hearty welcome to tin* delegates oil behalf of the citizens of Christchurch He w?s pleased' to meet the representatives and complimented them as masters upon the excellence of their work in adding to the attractiveness of the city in the painting and decorating of buildings. He promised to do all in his power to make the visit of delegates a happy one, and asked the. officials to make arrangements with the town clerk to have delegates shown over places of interest in and about, tho city. On the motion of Mr Poison. Mr F Lockwood was appointed to act as secretary pro tern. The conference then set up a committee to draw up tho order of bin'siness of the eonferencr and adjourned until two o'clock. The conference was resumed at 2 p.m. Mr E. .T. Bell moved that a constitution should be formed, to be known as the New Zealand Federation _of Master Painters. Dec-or?tors and Signwriters' Associations of Employers. The motion was seconded by Mr Birch, and was carried unanimously. The conference then went, into committee. to con.-ider clauses ol lb-,' constitution.