H.—4B

SEas. 11.—1891. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORT OF THE LABOUR CONFERENCE ON THE VARIOUS LABOUR BILLS SUBMITTED TO PARLIAMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT; ALSO, MR. W. HUTCHISON'S EIGHT HOURS BILL.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by the Hon. J. Ballance, with Leave of the House.

The Labour Conference have the honour to submit to the Government, for their consideration and approval, the accompanying suggested amendments. A special knowledge of the requirements of the workers actuates the Conference to suggest these amendments. Signed on behalf of the Conference. E. Slatee, Chairman. D. P. Fishee, Secretary.

MINUTES OF THE CONFEEENCE OF TEADES AND LABOUE COUNCILS, HELD IN THE DEPAETMENTAL BUILDINGS, JUNE, 1891.

First Day, Thubsday, 18th June. The Conference commenced its sittings at 10 a.m. this day, Mr. E. Slater being voted to the chair, and Mr. D. P. Fisher being elected Secretary. The following delagates furnished their credentials and took their seats : Messrs. E. Slater and A. Judge (Dunedin), J. W. Kelly, M.H.E. (Jnvercargill), G. Simpson and W. Cieworth (Christchurch), T. Hadfield and F. E. Bust (Auckland), D. P. Fisher and W. F. Johnson (Wellington) . The first business taken into consideration was the question of whether the Press should be present or not during the proceedings; and it was resolved, on the motion of Messrs. Simpson and Kelly, That reports of the proceedings be furnished the Press by the Secretary from time to time. Mr. Kelly raised the question as to the intention of the Conference in respect to the work performed by it; whether a complete report would be furnished the various Councils or not. It was resolved, That at the close of the Conference a precis of the proceedings would be furnished each Council, on the motion of Messrs. Fisher and Johnson. Besolved, on the motion of Messrs. Judge and Bust, That each day's session be as follows: 9 a.m. till 12.30 p.m., and 2 p.m. till 5.30. p.m. Resolved, on the motion of Messrs. Fisher and Slater, That the business of the Conference be first: Consideration of the Labour Bills, and afterwards a National Council scheme. Besolved, on the motion of Messrs. Judge and Johnson, That in the matter of voting power the Southland member be allowed two votes. Mr. Simpson dissented. The inward correspondence was read and received, on the motion of Messrs. Judge and Hadfield. Besolved, on the motion of Messrs. Fisher and Kelly, That a delegation, consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Simpson, and the Secretary, wait upon Sir George Grey for the purpose of congratulating him upon having recently rendered very great service to the workers in Australia, and particularly in reference to the elections now taking place in New South Wales. The delegation was instructed to ascertain from Sir George Grey his views in reference to the Labour Bills, and, should he be favourable to them, that he be urged to give them an immediate general support. Besolved, on the motion of Messrs. Bust and Judge, That this Conference congratulate the workers in New South Wales upon the unprecedented success attained by them in the elections which have so far taken place in New South Wales. A copy of this resolution to be forwarded tothe Sydney Trades and Labour Council. I—H. 48.