WORKING MEN'S PROTECTION SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 327, 26 January 1871, Page 2

WORKING MEN'S PROTECTION SOCIETY.

DEPUTATION TO HIS HONOR THE SUPERINTENDENT.

A deputation, consisting of Messrs. Wetton (President). Russell (Vice-Presi-dent), and Tomlinson, Secretary of the above Society, waited upon his Honor the Superintendent at 11 o'clock this morning, to request a subscription for the funds of the Society. His Honor wished to know the objects of the Society. Mr. Wetton stated that it was called the Working Men's Protection Society, and they intended to register the same under the Friendly Societies Act. The Society was originated some time since. His Honor said he would like to see the Rules.

The Rules were accordingly handed to His Honor for perusal. Haying read them through, the Superintendent said :— that with many of the rules he agreed, except the one which attempted to compel the employer or unemployed to adopt the eight hours system. That was simply fatal. Why should a man who in cage of sickness is compelled to work extra hours to procure food be prevented in such cases.

Mr. Wetton said the eight hours system was being infringed iti Auckland.

His Honoe said no society could regulate the hours. Were you ever lighthouse keeper at Tararu ? Mr. W r ETTON : Yes, I was. His Honoe : How did you lose the situation ?

Mr. Wetton : By Mr. Graham taking the wharf.

In answer to other questions asked, Mr. Wetton said * I object to answer any further questions that are not revelant.

His Honor said he had no confidence in any society in which Mr. Wetton might take a part.

Mr. Allright said the foreman discharged Mr. Wetton because he proposed attending the meeting of the unemployed. His Honor said he would be happy to give a subscription to the funds of the society, after he had found on perusal that the rules were such as he could*approve of. He believed in the eight-hours' system and, as far as he was concerned, he endeavoured to carry it out.

His Honor (to Mr. llussell) : With the exception I hare mentioned, I cordially approve of your object, and will give you a subscription that rule is omitted.

The Superintendent : I shall contribute through the hand of the persons who will see that the same is justly distributed.

The Superintendent went iuto the particulars of Wetton's dismissal from the lighthouse, which Mr. Wetton denied. Mr. Hurst considered the Superintendent had taken a proper course, to make every inquiry previous to the distribution. He believed Wetton was in the employment of the Government on the morning of the meeting held in the Shed, and he was one of the deputation that called on His Honor. [The return produced, showing that Wetton had been employed by tiie Government from 31st Octobor, 1870, to 19th January, 1871, earning os. per day.] Mr. Tomlinson said he believed the working men were labouring under a great mistake in attempting to carry their measures by force. Hts Honor reminded Mr. Russell that if the Society would make out a list of tbe distressed he would see that the Believing Officer administered the necessary relief. The deputation then withdrew.