LABOUR MATTERS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1246, 30 September 1911, Page 12

LABOUR MATTERS.

fr- —— THE QUESTION OF THE HOUK. The Wellington Grocers' Union holds its half-yearly meeting on Tuesday night' next. The report states that, for the six months ending to-day 138 new memhors have been admitted. The receipts lor t'he period total roughly i/ 18. Heavy expenditure in connection with the formation of the Grocers' Federation was incurred during the half-year, but nevertheless a little profit is shown. Thero is now a sum of JC7O banket! to t'he credit of the organisation. At the meeting nomination and election of fresh delegate to the Trades Council will bo taken. Somewhat Moot Point'. A Labour informant states that it is generally understood in trade union circles that the amended Arbitration Act already permits of a union altering its title without forfeiting its award, and legal standing, provided that the alteration is decided on by special meeting called for tho purpose. Tho inclusion of a clause in tho new Bill now before tho House, having reference to the same matter has, however, given rise to same doubt as to the effectiveness of the existing section. As soon as the position is made clear, the local C-oolis and Waiters' Unions intend altering its title to read "Hotel and liestaurant Workers' Union." Tho question will ,bo dealt with at a meeting of members on Monday night. Arrangements lor a conference of delegates. representing all the newly-formed branches will also bo considered at tho meeting. The Tramway Men. The hearing of tho. tramway disputo has been set down, for November 7. This is, perhaps, somewhat later than is desirable for tho parties, but it is impossible (owing to engagements already made) for t'he Conciliation Commissioner to make a_fixtuj;o_for_au earlier.-date. - Deputation to Primo Minister. On Monday morning the Trimo Minister, with him probably tho Minister tor Labour, will meet a deputation of the members of the Trades and Labour Council to lay before him tho resolutions passed at tho recent conference at Christchurch. Coach Workers. Tho New Zealand Federated Industrial Association of Coach Workers and Wheelwrights have decided to take steps to pro'cure a Dominion award. A conference of representatives of unions in all parts of the Dominion will bo held in Australia during Christmas week. The executive at present are in communication with tho unions, asking them for remits or suggestions which might be embodied in tho set of demands to be framed. The local •union will meet on Monday night. ; Labour Day. ■ ■ ■ _ Tho Labour Day celebration this year is to take tho form of a picnic sports gathering at Wonderland, Miramar. A good programme has been, drawn up for children and adults.