LABOUR DEPARTMENT (CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE WORKING OF THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1903 Session I, H-11d

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1903. NEW ZEALAND.

LABOUR DEPARTMENT (CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE WORKING OF THE).

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated the 4th September, 1903. Ordered, "That there be laid before this House the correspondence between the Trades and Labour Councils and labour organizations and the Minister of Labour respecting the work of the Labour Departm°ut."—(Mr. Field.)

Resolution passed at the Meeting of the Auckland Trades and Labour Council, 26th August, 1903. That this Council upholds the contention of the Minister of Labour that the Labour Department is doing really substantial work on behalf of labour, and is well worthy of its earnest support, but would respectfully suggest that the Government Labour Bureau might be made more efficient for others than those seeking employment on co-operative works by making it compulsory that employers only shall pay fees when engaging hands at outside registry offices.

Resolution passed at the Meeting of the Otago Workers' Political Committee, 29th August, 1903. That this meeting expresses its confidence in the Labour Department and those who have control of its operations, believing that, with the resources at their command, the Department is being administered to the benefit of the workers generally. We also deprecate the violent and unnecessary attacks made on the Department in the House by Mr. T. E. Taylor, M.H.R., who professes to be a friend of, and in sympathy with, the workers.

Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, Auckland Branch. Sir,— Chancery Street, Auckland, 27th August, 1903. There appeared in the Auckland daily Press of the 20th instant a statement, made by Mr. T. B. Taylor, member for Christchurch City, to this effect: that the Department of Labour was only a registry office for the Public Works Department, instead of for employers and employees generally. As secretary and travelling delegate for various unions in Auckland, it is part of my duty to interview the Inspector of Factories upon industrial matters, and work for unemployed members. I am perfectly satisfied that everything possible is done in Auckland by the Department to facilitate the employment of men, and that it is also an advantage to employers. I forward this as a protest against the very unfair statement made, and am of opinion that Mr. Taylor cannot have any knowledge of the work done by this Department, or he would never have given utterance to such. I am, &c, S. Tyson, Secretary and Travelling Delegate For Auckland Branch Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners; Plumbers and Gasfitters; Butchers; Timberworkers; Shipwrights; Bakers; Cooks and Stewards; Sail, Tent, and Cover Makers; Builders' Labourers; and Auckland United Furniture Trades Industrial Union of Workers. The Rt. Hon. the Premier, Minister of Labour.

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Letter received from the Wellington Section of the New Zealand Branch of the Australasian Federated Seamen's Industrial Association (registered under " The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1900"). Registered Office, Room 14, Queen's Chambers, Wellington, Dear Sir, — 2nd September, 1903. I am directed by the above union to respectfully forward the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted at our last meeting, viz. : — " This union regrets that a member of Parliament has endeavoured to use the labour party in order to condemn the work of the Department of Labour; and we herewith place on record our appreciation of the work done by that Department, both past and present. Further, we also express every confidence in the officials connected with the same, but think they should be empowered to compile statistics regarding matters appertaining to labour; and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Labour." I am to add that we consider the attack made on the Department by the particular member totally unwarranted ; and he certainly had no authority from the labour party to make such attack. We are quite satisfied with the work the Department is doing, and the same can be said of its officials, especially the Secretary ; but we think that statistics in connection with the labour movement should be compiled, which we think would be a valuable addition to the records of the colony. I have, &c, The Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Minister of Labour. W. T. Young, Secretary. Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (1,250 copieß), 18s. 6(3.

Price 3d.] By Authority: John Maokay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o3,