CITIZENS' LEAGUE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1385, 11 March 1912, Page 9

CITIZENS' LEAGUE.

MEET TO-NIGHT. SOME EVENTS REVIEWED. In its report, to be presented af The fir.-t annual general meeting of the Citizens' League, in I lie Chamber of Commerce this evening, the executive of that body briefly reviews the causes which led up to the formation of the league. "It had been felt for sume years past," the report remarks, "that the abrencc of any proper organisation to give definite expression u f the opinions of citizens generally on matters of civic importance was not in the best interests of the community, in view of this, the Chamber of Commerce, at the request of a number of representative citizens, convened a meeting in March last, anil as the outcome of this meeting the league was brought into existence. "A general meeting of the league was held prior to the City Council and Harbour Board elections, and complete, lists drawn up of those candidates whom it was thought would best serve_ the interests of the citizens on both bodies. It is pleasing to bo able to report that as a result of tho league's efforts, ten out of fifteen of those chosen were elected as members of tho City Council, and three out of four were returned as members of the Harbour Board. "After the election steps were taken to place tho league on a permanent basis, and make it thoroughly representative of tho general body of citizens. A satisfactory membership was secured, and as will bo noted by the statement of receipts and expenditure which is presented herewith, sufficient, funds were obtained to carry on tho work of the league. "A sub-committee was set up to prepare draft constitution and rules, and which having been approved by the executive, arc now submitted for adoption or otherwise. "The principal matter which engaged the attention of the executive during the year was the regrettable strike of tho tramway employees, which took place last month. Several meetings of tho executive wero held, and strong representations made to tho council to maintain a firm attitude in protecting the interests of citizens ns a whole, as against tho demands of any particular section of its employees. When tho terms of tho settlement arrived at became known, a keen sense of disappointment was fully expressed by tho general body of citizens at the council's failure to fully protect die citizens' best interests. "At a very largely-attended general meeting of the league, held on February G, these feelings were given expression to in the following resolutions;— "That tho Wellington Citizens' League puts on record its sense of keen disappointment that in (he recent negotiations in connection with the tramway strike the authority of the council was not properly maintained, but tenders to the council' its assurance of its utmost support in upholding the city's rights in the future." "That tho league take aelive steps to promote tho passing of an Act whereby any public, servant, who, in contravention of'the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, takes, part in any strike, shall, ipso facto, be deemed to have forfeited all claims to superannuation and Other privileges attached to his position." In order that the operations of the league should bo productive of a full measure of usefulness, a largo membership is both necessary and desirable. Having this in view, your executive recommends that the incoming committee should bo given power to immediately appoint an organiser. A .motion (o this etfect will .be' submitled for consideration this evening. "The executive would earnestly urge on every meinlrer to take an active interest in the work of the league, so that when occasion requires it can exercise an effective and beneficial influence on the citizens' affairs." The following motions will bo submitted this evening;— • "That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that no mayor or city councillor while in office shall bo eligible as candidates for Parliament." (Mr. J. D, Sievwright.) "That, steps should be taken to compel the secretaries of all trades unions to be working members of their unions, and that no secretary should hold more than one office." (M.'A. Tregea.) "That steps lie taken to secure an amendment to the Law of Libel Amendment Act. whereby it will be criminal to libel a local body. (Mr. A. Tregea.) "That a committee of live members of this !e;i"ue be set up to consult with the City Council upon any subject of municipal interest, and particularly at (his time to advocate better management in the tramway system." (Mr. C. Ludwig.) "That this meeting hereby instructs the incomim' executive to actively endeavour to give' effect to the reflation carrieo at tho meeting held on February « last, derling wiih an amendment to the law with reference to strikes in the pub.ic service." (Mr. A. Leigh Hunt.)