CARPENTERS AND JOINERS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 892, 11 August 1910, Page 6

CARPENTERS AND JOINERS.

JUBILEE .CELEBRATION. The jubilee celebration in connection with the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners was hold at Corroll's Rooms, Willis' Street, last evening, when Mr. H. Hatchhard presided over a largo attendance. The proceedings were of an enthusiastic aud pleasant nature. In proposing "Our Society," tho chairman quoted interesting statistics. Ho stated that when the society was first formed in London, tho membership totalled 600, and to-day it stood at 05,000. Theso were located as' follow:—United Kingdom, 40,000 to 50,000; United. States of America, 5000; New Zealand, 2000; Canada, 2000; Australia, 1600; and South Africa. 500. The benefit fund had distributed amounts as follow ed, .£1,281,872; sick, £906,710; funeral, .£160,334; superannuation, ..£472,451; and benevolent purposes, ,£62,000. Sir Joseph AVard, who arrived late in the evening, was--given a cordial welcome, and, in reply to the toast of his health, stated that ho was very glad to have tho pleasure'of meeting them. Ho spoke of the good work done by the Carpenters' and Joiners? Union, and inado reference to the wavo of depression that had spread over the Dominion some tiino ago, and 'which had, to a great extent, effected the • class of work upon which they were engaged. • But happily that day • had gone past, aud brightor days were in store. Ho was very pleased to known that Mr. Powell, one of their members, had been selected as r.ho Australasian representative at the World's Congress at ■ Manchester. Ho was the more gratified, because of tho fact that that gentleman was not only a New Zealander, but hailed from Invercargill, where, he himself was brought up. Sir Joseph made reference to the large amount of money which had already been expended on workers' homes throughout the Dominion, and which, in round figures, totalled .£1,000,000, ' thus , showing that tho Government, wero catering for the workers. • In conclusion,. Sir Joseph made eulogistic reference to the services which Mr. Tregear; who was present, had rendered to the Labour Department as secretary. Mr. Trcgear had always taken a kindly interest in union matters, and ho wished him a -very happy timo in his retirement. On. leaving, Sir Joseph was given lusty cheers. .During tho evening, several ■ appropriate toasts were honoured, and musical items were contributed by the following:— Messrs. F. Tunlcy, W. C. Kenset, T. Chapman, G. E. Smith, H. Woods, and H. Warr. ■ ' The arrangements for the gathering wero in tho able hands of Mr. G. Blatherwick • (secretary) and an energetic committee. ■ .. ■ .—