TRADES COUNCILS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1411, 11 April 1912, Page 6

TRADES COUNCILS.

DEFENCE OATH & ARBITRATION. MR. JUSTICE SIMHIS LABOUR DEFENDERS. The annual conference of tho Trades and. Labour Councils of tho Dominion was continued in tho joint committee room at Parliament Buildings yesterday, the Hon. J. T. Paul presiding. The Hon.. 0. Lnurenson (Minister for Labour) was; present for some timo during tho afternoon. A. letter was received from tho secretary of the Working Men's Club extending the club's privileges to delegates. Tho offer was accepted with thanks. Tho New Zealand Laud Values League .wrote, asking the conferenco to receive a deputation on the subject of compulsory application of rating on unimproved values. It was decided to hear tho deputation, on the understanding that it should observe a time-limit of fifteen minutes. Mr. A. W. Hogg, cx-M.P., wrote extending fraternal greetings. It was resolved that Mr. Hogg Ire thanked, and invited to attend the conferenco as a .visitor. -. DRIVERS' DEPUTATION, Mr. C. M'Kenzie, who waited upon the conference as a deputation from the Drivers' Federation, stated thnt tho following resolutions had been carried unanimously by the Drivers' Conference :— "(1) That the Workers Compensation Act: be amended s» as to give full pay instead of half-pay during incapacity. "(2) Tho Old Age Pension Act be amended "so as to enable recipients to draw the pension as soon as old enough, instead of" after Ti .year'si starvation. "(3) That tho Industrial Conciliation and-Arbitration Act .be amended by tittering "the constitution of the Court, the Supremo Court Judge being replaced by a person of economic and industrial knowledge." *Mr. M'Kenzie was .thanked, and tho questions raised were referred: to the Order Paper Committee. ••3lr. G. R. Whiting sought to move an anti-defence resolution, but the chairman moved that, as there were objectors, Mr. Whiting must give notice of his motion. -It was agreed, on the motion of Mr. Sullivan, that all motions, of which notice had been given, should bo taken nfc the next succeeding sitting. '.The confcren<H! then made a brief adjournment in order to enable tho Order Paper Committee to recast tho order paper. ■;: .PREPARING FOR UNITY. '•When the conference reassembled the nrst business taken was consideration of the following Otarjo remit (moved by Mr. E." Breen):—"Thai the general principle of the Unity proposals bo endorsed." »This was adopted without discussion. ;It.was further moved;by Mr. Breen:— "That the constitriiion' of the Federation bo amended by the adoption of the Unity proposals in wholo or in part, together with any further amendments which may be agreed to, and .such amended constitution shall take the' place of the present constitution of the> New Zealand Federation of Workers, as endorsed by _ the Trades : and Labour Councils and affiliated unions." ■ ■ ' Mr. Sullivan moved as an amendment that consideration should bo deferred until ' after' the conference had considered the Unity proposals. Mr.-Paul said that acceptance of the remit would leave the. conference free to either accept or reject the Unity proposals in \vhole or part. Mr. Breen contended that his motion was necessary ■to validate any detail amendments that might be made to the constitution.The amendment was defeated, and tho motion carried. AMALGAMATION. DICTATORIAL FEDERATION. The next remits considered were as follow:—(1) "That tho conference be requested to make an effort to bring about the amalgamation of the new federations of labour, and that a referendum on tho subject-be taken of both fedurations."—, (East Qoast.) "(2) That this branch of the Trades and Labour Council ask that every endeavour bo made to fix an amalgamation of tho Trades and Labour Council and the Federation of Labour, and that no 'hair-splitting' be allowed to interfere in forming such amalgamation; nndthat a ballot of tho members of the Trades aud Labour Council be taken on the subject."—(Timaru.) Moving the adoption of the East Coast Temit, Mr. Coleman (Gisborne) said that some unions in his district, among them the watersiders and drivers, were somewhat evenly divided as between the Federation of Labour ami the Trades Council Federation. In his opinion there were no vital differences separating the two federations, and efforts should be made to promote amalgamation. Mr. J. Header (Timaru) supported the Last Coast proposal, remarking that he would withdraw the remit from Timaru on the same subject, which practically covered, tlio same ground. There was a tendency where rival federations existed to lose benefits that might otherwise be gained- by co-operation. Tho difficulty .wns to find a basis of union. Two years ago, at-Auckland, it had been suggested that tho wording of the objective was what kejlt the two federations apart. In his opinion this difficulty was of less importance than had been suggosted. Tho Tank and file were less concerned with the wording of tho objective than with the immediate fighting platform. It had been said that another difference was that the Trades Councils stood for arbitration, w.hile the rival Federation opposed it. Against this it was to bo noted that two of tho Federation unions were working lindcr arbitration awards. Efforts mado to promote an agreement by appeal to the leaders had,failed. The best way to get the feeling of the two federations would be to take a ballot of the members of each body. ' Mr. M.. J. Forde (Southland) contended that tho conference would stultify itself if it passed tho remit. The miners had been given an opportunity to come in arid had neglected it. They should bo left to themselves.

"Mr. Paul pointed out that tlio conference had no power to pass a resolution providing for a ballot being taken of tho members of' tho other federation.

'•Tir. Reader said that by passing such a., 'resolution tlio conference would challenge the leaders of-the other federation to.'tako tho ballot.

•Another delegate said that if the resolution we'i'o passed it would probably antagonise tho leaders of tho other federation. The conference should bo content to,deal with its own members. A Sacrifice of Dignity, . "Mr. D. Sullivan remarked that in their efforts to promote unity of Labour organisations, the Trades Council loaders had practically sacrificed their own dignity. The leaders of the other federation had taken lip an attitude of uncompromising hostility, and had gone up and down the country describing tho Trades Councils' Federation as an effete and decaying bodv. The Canterbury Trades Council, whilo supporting tho remit before tho conference in tho interests of unity, would not endorse any proposal which involved tho abandonment of tho present constitution and policy of tho Trades Councils. Mr.. Naughton said that tho Wellington Council took up a similar attitude. It was anxious to promote unity, but the Miners' Federation _ had practically thrown tho Conciliation and Arbitration Act overboard. Those who upheld the Act knew that it could not oxist side by side with strikes. A powerful body liko the miners might be able to gain its end by strikes, but many other industrial bodies could, not. If any amalgamation took r.!ace. it must be clearly understood that Ihe strike was not tho objective. The Miners' federation aimed nt getting all (ho big unions into its fold, but cared v?ry litlle about tho small ones. He supported the remit, but recognised that tho Miners' Federation could not bo forced to lake a ballot-unless it so desired.

Mr. R. Breen (Otago) declared that tho conference, in successive years, had wasted i great deal of time in trying to bring •jinut amalgamation. Efforts to arrange i conference between the two parties in '!&» nrevious year bad proved abortive, s.T)d it was fairly evident that, the leaders ,-,; t.hs Miners' not jtrieii to consider " r

At this stage Mr. Coleman obtained leave to substitute the following for tbe Gisborne remit:—"This conference urges tlio Dominion Executive Council, shoulil the organisation from tlio unity proposals be finally adopted, to do its utmost lo bring about amalgamation between tlio new organisation and tlio Federation of Labour (registered)."

Mr. Breen went on to' say that tlio Trades Councils had done all thnt they could bo expected to in attempting to promote amalgamation. Tlio hone of contention between tho two parties was the method of settling industrial disputes. Tho right of strike, under certain circumstances, should bo always conserved. For '.instance, he considered the recent tramway strike in Wellington justified. But tho attitudo of the federation in reference to strikes could not be endorsed by tho Trades Councils. Not Leaders, But Dictators. Mr. Paul said that it should alwavs bo remembered that this sido of tho Labour movement had endeavoured always to bring about amalgamation. Some of the leaders of tho Federation of Labour were not willing to adopt a policy approved bv a majority of the workers, but insisted upon tho policy to which they personally, inclined. These men took tip the position, not only of leaders, but of dictators. He submitted that they occupied an impossible position. In Ins opinion the conference should not pre:-s the resolution. Every .section of the Labo.ur movement had been given an opportunity of having its wishes engrafted in the constitution of the new organisation. The representatives of the other federation, having neglected this opportunity, had forfeited (ho right to take part in a united Labour movement in this country. Mr. Coleman said that he felt very strongly that if tho rank and tile of the other federation had an opportunity of voting for or against amalgamation, they would support it. The leaders were no doubt irreconciliable, but tine thousands behind them could bo won over. The amended motion was carried with two dissentients. ARBITRATION ACT. Tho conference now turned its attention to the Arbitration Act. Mr. Coleman (Gisborne) moved:—"That, the conferenco be asked to seriously consider the question whether the Arbitration Court is of any material benefit to t'he workers." Mr. Sullivan (Canterbury) moved that tho next business be taken. His council considered, he said, that this was a matter for tho individual unions to settle for themselves.

Mr. Coleman withdrew his remit on the understanding that its subject matter would come up for discussion in other remits.

Beforo adjourning s.t 12.30, the conference decided to sit from 9 a.m. to noon, and from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. MILITARY TRAINING. COMJIITTEE IS SET UP. Resuming at two o'clock, the conference proceeded to discuss the following motion, of which notice ifind been given by Mr. Whiting during the forenoon:— "That this conference enters an emphatic protest against those clauses of the Defence Act which, compel the youths of the Dominion to train as soldiers; believing that it is not in the best interests of the community, and that it has brought into our country . the system of conscription which has proved mch, a 'menace to liberty in Continental countries. Mr. Whiting asked leave to postpone discussion on his .motion, on the ground that a deputation from the Labour party would wait upon the conferenco during the afternoon to suggest a joint committeo representing both bodies (Labour party and Trades Councils' Federation) should frame Defence resolutions and lay them before the Unity Conferences. This was agreed io. Later in the afternoon a message was received from the .Labour Party Conference in the terms iiidicated byJlr. Whiting. . Jlr. Naughton protested that delegates should not bedashed to transfer' their powers to a committee which would report to a foreign body. Mr. Reader took up a similar attitude. Tho chairman and Jlr. Whiting contended that the Unity Conference was not a foreign body. _ It was agreed by six votes to three that the proposed committee should bo set up. The following delegates were appointed to act l as a committee:—Jtessrs. G. .R. Whiting, 31. J. Forde, D. Sullivan, and D. Golder.

MR. JUSTICE SIM. A RATHER SAVAGE MOTION. Mr. Sullivan (Canterbury) moved: That the Government's attention be drawn to the fact that Judge Sim's brutal treatment of union representatives before the Court, together with his maladministration of the Act is responsible for the largo number of cancellations taking place." Moving that tho remit be adopted, Mr. Sullivan said he would concede that the language used was rather strong than courteous. Nevertheless, it expressed the feeling of unionists in Canterbury and in many other parts of the country. In view of tho crisis >vhich had occurred in connection with arbitration the discourteous Attitude of the Judge was deplorable. Mr. Sullivan recalled that Mr. Justice Sim had en one occasion told Mr. Laracy that he was practically without intelligence, or something to that effect. He considered that if a firm, courteous, tactful man were presiding over the Arbitration Court a great deal of tho hostility now directed at that institution would have- been adverted. Mr. Sullivan, by' consent of the conference, deleted the word "brutal" from tho resolution. A Wellington Proposal. Mr. W. C. Noot, on behalf of the Wellington Trades Council, moved that various Canterbury remits, affecting tho Arbitration Court, be deleted and replaced by the following resolution:—"That tho co-nforonco set up a committee to draft a new Arbitration Bill, this to apply to all remits on Arbitration Act." Tho chairman ruled that the amendment was not in order. Mr. P. Muir (Wellington) said that, in his experience, Judge Sim had always been courteous, but that he had an objectionable habit of asking union representatives to bo as brief ns possible. Ho carried this so far sometimes that union representatives wore unable to present their caso properly. Mr. Burgoyne said that on one occasion, when he endeavoured to cite the Education Department as a party to a case, Judge Sim absolutely refused him a 'hearing. Ho took exception to the manner of tho Judge as well as b> what ho said. "The Trouble Was That They Always Expected Concessions." Mr. Xaughtou (Wellington) said that tho discussion was unprofitable. Similar complaints had been made about previous Judges of the Arbitration Court. The trouble was that union representatives always went into Court expecting to get concessions. Sometimes, at anyrate, they had themselves to thank when they brought down the wrath of the Jtidg'o upon their heads. Mr. Naughton said that he questioned whether any improvement would be effected if another person were substituted for a Judge of tho Supreme Court as President of tho Arbitration Court. lie did not see tho use of standing up and slanging Judges. The Motion Not "Wholly Truthful." Mr. Breen said that he would not support the motion. Ho did not regard it as wholly truthful, though it might be true in part. He ventured to eny that neither of tho statements contained in the motion was true. A number of unions were cancelling registration under the Act that had never really been in the Arbitration Court at all. Advocates at times, were discourteous as well as the Judge. He (Mr. Breen) had not been treated as a "white-haired boy" in the Court. He had had his share of rebukes, but considered that in many cases ho had brought theso upon himself, and had been wrong. Looking at the way in which Judge Sim had treated employers, as well as union representatives, the latter had no reason to complain. Mr. Reader (Timani) supported tho proposal to make a person with an expert knowledge of industrial affairs President of the Court. The real weakness of the position was that the tribunal which - controlled wages did not control wages.

Mr. Coleman (Gisborne) supported the Utßsaljsn(_ -Jt rnkht bg ho said,

Hint complaints had been made against previous judges. They would continue to bo made until a satisfactory president of tlio Arbitration Court had been appointed.

Jlr. Jl. .1. Forde (Southland) maintained that Judge Sim had often been guilty of extreme discourtesy to union advocates. It was also true Hint objectionable "lags'* had been attached to awards against tlio wish of both parties concerned, in Southland now not a single union was willing to go before tlio Court. They know that they could not get any advantage. They could not even get civility. If thing's remained as at present every union in Southland would break away from the Act.

Jlr. Noot protested that it was unfair to press tho motion in tho form in which it had. been presented. On a vote, six voles were given for the motion, and as many against. The chairman gave his casting vote with tlio "noes." MINISTER FOR LABOUR. HIS VISIT TO THE CONFERENCE. At this stage the Minister for Labour (tho Hon. G. I.aurenson) visited the conference. Mr. Paul formally welcomed the Minister, and remarked "that the Hon. W. P. Reeves, perhaps the ablest Labour Minister who had ever held office in New Zealand, had attended some of the earlier Labour Conferences.

Mr. Lnurenson, acknowledging the welcome, said that so far as ho could recollect Mr. Reeves was tho first Labour Minister appointed in any British Dominion. He went on to state that ho had a number of Labour Bills in hand, upon which he would seek the opinion of Labour before he submitted them to Parliament. One of the greatest difficulties they had to face was that of a man who had followed some trade and had become medically unfit to follow it any longer. This and many other problems deserved all the attention that could be given them. Mr. Laurenson offered to supply any member of the conference with a copy of a book, by a New Zealander, named M'lllwraith, which in his opinion should be read by all who were interested in social problems. Mankind, .Mr. Laurenson went on to remark, had not yet done anything towards solving the problem of tho distribution of wealth. Tho problem would not be solved by violence and bitterness and savagery between the different classes of the community, but only by sane and common-sense methods. No reform would ever be brought about by violence. He knew that every member of the was anxious to advance, not by revolution, but by evolution. Concluding, Mr. Laurenson expressed a hope that his relations with the Labour representatives during his term of office might l>o of the friendliest description. > MORE REMITS. Mr. Burgoyne (Canterbury) moved:— "That the Conciliation and Arbitration Act be amended to provide—That any person or corporate body engaged in any industry shall be bound by the full terms of an award, and tho clauses in the Act giving power to the .Commissioner and Court to grant exemption be repealed." Jlr. Burgoyne said that all present had had experience of these exemptions. They often placed a union in an awkward position, and created conditions unfair to employers not exempted. Jlost of the parties exempted were public bodies, but if they were not there to do the work in question It would have to bo done by others under conditions fixed by the Court. Mr. Noot now moved his amendment, ruled out of order at an earlier stage, In tho effect that all Arbitration remits should be referred to a committee, together with an instruction to draft a new Arbitration Bill. It was useless, Jlr. Noot contended, to spend time in discussing details. The AVcllington Council was intent on getting right down to bedrock, and seeing what kind of Arbitration Bill would suit tho organised workers of the Dominion. Mr. Naughton said that he would second the resolution, but hoped that delegates would do him the credit of believing that he was not at the Wellington Trades Council on the evening when the remit was framed. A body of laymen attempting to recast tho Arbitration Act would find that they had a hopeless task in hand. Although he had seconded tho motion, pro forma, he considered that the best plan would bo to deal with tho detail suggestions of tho various councils.

Mr. Whiting said that although he was pledged to'support the Canterbury rcmir, moved by Mr Burgoyne, he felt inclined to support an amendment similar to that moved by Jlr. Noot. The matter of drawing up amendments to the Act might bo referred to tho Dominion executive, that body to report to the Trades Councils within three months. How To Mend the Act. Mr. Paul said that the best plan would be to ask each council to make recommendations as to the amendments they desired in tho Arbitration Act. The central executive could then co-ordinato the amendments, but it was absolutely impossible that a central body should draft a Bill which would satisfy'all the councils. Jlr. Noot said that tho Dominion Executive could not be expected to undertake the task of framing a new Bill, as had been suggested bv JJri Whiting. On the other hand, Jlr. E. Tregear. and possiblv others, might undertake the task witli some prospect of success.

Tho amendment was defeated and the motion was carried.

Jlr. Whiting (Canterbury) moved: "That the Conciliation and Arbitration Act be amended to provide—That when an award is mado to apply to any industry, tho Court shall make" tho award to apply to tho whole of the employers and employees engaged in such industry within tho Industrial District, if application is mado by any party to the award to that effect."

This provision, Jlr. Whiting claimed, would place all employers upon an equal footing; The remit was adopted without further discussion.

The following Auckland remit was moved by Mr. W. C. Noot:—"Amendment to Conciliation and Arbitration Act—'That all parties in the trade or calling to be parties to the award, it being impossible in many callings for a secretary to get all the names.'"

Mr. Reader (Timaru) moved, as an amendment, that the provision in the Act giving tho Court power to join additional parties to a dispute should be made mandatory.

It was, agreed that both motion and amendment should be held over until delegates had consulted the Act. Mr. Sullivan (Canterbury) moved: "That any section of an award Agreed to bv the Conciliation Council shall not be altered by the Court of Arbitration."

Mr. Breen objected that alterations were sometimes necessary. lie suggested tho following' addition, "except so far as is necessary to correct legal technicalities or to prevent the nullification of other parts of an award."

The addition was accepted by the Canterbury delegates, and the amended remit was adopted.

It was Agreed, on the motion of Mr. Burgoyne- (Canterbury):—"That where employers aro filing counter-proposals to a union's demands, same shall be in (he hands of the union not later than seven days prior to the hearing of the application."

Mr. Breen (Otngo) moved the following Auckland remit:—"That all workers, including domestics, be brought under the Conciliation and Arbitration Act."

Mr. Muir (Wellington) moved as an amendment:—"That the Conciliation and Arbitration Act bo so amended as to give all workers the right: to use its provisions if they so desire." The motion was withdrawn, and the amendment carried.

PRESIDENT OF THE COURT. THE LAYMAN ID'EA. The conference next considered (he remits forwarded by the Drivers' Conference. The. first remit provided that a person of economic and industrial knowledge, instead of a Supreme Court Judge, should preside in the Arbitration Court. Mr. Reader moved as an amendment:— "That clerks of awards should be, in all cases, competent to revise awards of the Court." The amendment lapsed for want of a seconder.

Mr. Breen said that, in passing the resolution before, it, the conference would store up future trouble for unions. If they kept the legal mind out of the framing of awards they could not keep the legal minds out of tho interpretation of awards. He did not think that the

delegates should commit themselves to any question of principle affecting tho constitution of the Court. Mr. Paul .said that the proposal had not been before (lie councils. The best plan would be to refer it to them. The conl'u-cncc adjourned at 5 p.m. until 9 a.m. to-day. the drivers, seek a dominion award. Delegates to tho conference of the Drivers' Federation concluded their business yesterday. Consideration was given to the revision of the rules and the matter is to be referred to each union for an cxpresMjn of opinion. liemits from Canterbury were adopted as follow:— ' "That tho Now Zealand Federation of Drivers' t nions take steps to obtain a Dominion award, a preliminary conference to be sought with employers with that object, and failing agreement being arrived at, disputes be tiled in each centre and the Court requested to hear all the evidence in all the centres before making an award; that before disputes arc filed throughout the Dominion tho federation approach the Government and request it to appoint as President of the Court a man with industrial and commercial knowledge, with a view to having disputes settled on tho basis of equity and justice, and not on legal technicalities; that union secretaries be given power of entry to employers' premises for tho purpose of inspecting time and wages books; that all drivers of vehicles propelled by their own motive power be compelled to hold certificates of competency before being allowed to drive within borough or city limits; that in all drivers' awards provisions bo inserted compelling employers to so arrango their hours oi work to allow drivers a half-holiday from noon on one day in each week; that the decisions of the conference lie placed before the Government by the executive of the federation at the most opportune time." All delegates present who were able to attend wero appointed to wait upon the Minister for Labour with, reference to the resolution arrived at by tho conference.

Railway Work. Other decisions arrived at were as follow :—

All unions and branches affiliated bo requested to elect representatives on the conference with employers above referred to.

That all railway sheds close at noon on Saturday for the receipt or delivery of goods; and that the Railway Department provide assistance at the sheds to help carters having business there. That inspectors of factories be given more power under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act with regard to the procuring of information in prosecution of their inquiries into alleged breaches of awards, enabling them to make examination of any books necessary for the I purpose, and especially books relating to partnership agreements and the purchase of plants. It was pointed out during discussion that at the present time inspectors of factories have no power under the Act to examine any books other than those relating to wages and hours. The Unity Scheme. A discussion took place on the question as to whether the federation should adopt the proposals put forward in Professor Mills's unity scheme, or throw in its lot with the Federation of Labour. After a lengthy deliberation it was decided to take a referendum of the wholo of the members of the unions affiliated as soon as the' copies of the constitution of both the Unity Federation and Federation of Labour are available. Thon a ballot shall be taken on the distinct understanding that unless the Drivers' Federation decides to join either of the federations, as a federation, no individual union joins either of the federations referred to as a union. Messrs. Stovo and H. Hunter were appointed representatives of the Drivers' Federation at the New Zealand Labour Party's Conference. Hours and Wages, The proposed fresh demands (with existing conditions and wages in parentheses) adopted by the conference were as follow:—Casual labour, Is. Gd. per hour (Is. 3d. per hour) and Is. Dd. overtime (Is. Bil.); weekly wages, £2 Ms. and £2 18s. (J3 7s. and £2 lis.); working hours, 47J per week, to include attendance on horses (47J hours, with attendance on horses in addition).

That all drivers' unions bo instructed to prepare a list of employers for citation before the Arbitration Court if such a step should lie decided upon. That the present arrangement of nine holidays per annum on full pay was adhered to. The Shops Act. That the Government be urged to make the shop assistants' hours inclusive within fifty-two hours, as provided under the Shops ami Offices Act, as at the present time some shop assistants, who act as carters as well, have to put in one hour's time in addition to the fifty-two hours under the Act. That all classes of labour, including contractors, be compelled to observe one half-holiday in each week, with a view to the practical extension of tho Shops and Offices Act to those assistants who drive and do not como under the Act. It was pointed out that owing to competition of private carriers, who were out day and night, prevent employees working for other linns than their own getting their full half-holiday. Messrs. Hunter and Davies wero appointed to wait upon the Minister for Labour with reference to the half-holiday question; with reference to contracting out, of the provisions of an award; and also to urge that no partnership agreement shall be valid unless registered.

"That the federation adopt a un'an badge" (Napier) was proposed,. but was not adopted.

"That Parliament be urged to inako provision for a universal half-holii ty," was agreed to. . Tho resolutions of the National Peace and Anti-Military Council of Cbmtchurch, as presented to other similnr conferences in Wellington (and already published in full), were adopted. Mr. Lyness was reappointed presider.' and Mr. H. Hunter was appoint*-) secretary of the conference, which will j:sl sit at Christchurch. SAWMILL AND TIMBER WORK, UNITY PROPOSALS. The conference cf delegates of the Federated Sawmill and Timber Workers of New Zealand was continued at the Trades Hall .yesterday. Mr. E.' Phelan, of Auckland, presided. In tho morning, Prof. W. T. Mills, Mr. E. Tregear, and Mr. D. M'Laren waited on tho conference, and delivered addresses on unity scheme, which has recently occupied the attention of the Trades Council delegates. Tho chairman said the conference proposed to shortly appoint an organiser, and he desired to know whether such work would bo undertaken by the United Labour party.

The answer was that each of the different groups could place its own organiser in the field with instructions, he suggested, to co-operate with other organisers. Bodies which could not appoint, an organise! would probably lie aided by the bigger organisation. The speakers were then thanked foi their addresses, and informed that due consideration would be given to the matter.

Subsequently Jlr. P. C. Webb, president of the Federation of Labour, addressed the council frcm the point of view of the body he represented. He argued that the Arbitration Act was of no value to the workers.

A hearty vole of thanks was accorded .Mr. Webb for hiti address. He was also I old that the matter would be considered.

Later in the day, o remit on the agenda paper bearing on the question was reached, and Jlr. .1. C. Itolph (Canterbury) moved that the federation adopt, the proposals put forward in I'rof. Jlills's unity scheme. This was seconded by Jlr. .Meyer, and strongly supported by'several other delegates, who expressed the opinion that when the scheme was in working order, I hi: body formed would be the strongest political body iu New Zealand.

Mr. C. I.oriiuer ((Jingo) moved as an amendment that the federation do not alliliate under Ihe unity scheme until they hail completed their own plans of organisation lie w.-,s mil going (o say anything against the scheme at tlii's stage, but the expense was what had to be considered.

Mr. A. It. Humphries seconded the amendment, and spoke in similar strains to the mover.

V- Mr. J. Lyons (Wellington) also spoke in

favour of the amendment. Ho considered the lime was not. ripe yet for the carrying out of tlio scheme. What was wanted was proper organisation of their own ranks- first.

The chairman considered that tlio best way they could organise would be to adopt the scheme, and become a party to a great organisation. Ho thought the conference should tako the initiative and recommend the unions to adopt it. He thought everyone present recognised that the Federation of Labour would not suit the timber workers. They would have no chance of enforcing an award if they cancelled registration. The Otago delegates agreed that if the conference was only affirming the principle of the scheme, and Tccoinmeuding the unions to como in, then they would ba willing to 'withdraw tlio amendment. 'Finally it was unanimously resolved that this conference affirms tho principle of (ho. United Labour Party, known as Professor Mills's unity scheme, and urges the unions to adopt same. It was then decided that unions be asked to give an expression of opinion to tho secretary immediately after their first meetings. Stream of Resolutions. Tho following- resolutions were also carried :— "That tho incoming executive be instructed, to take immediate steps to register the federation under the Conciliation and Arbitration Act." "That tho Government be urged to tako steps to prevent unnecessary rises in the price of foodstuffs." "That the Government be urged to prosecute the work of afforestation." "That the Government Ire urged to amend tho Workers' Compensation Act so as to.provide hal/-pay from the date of accident. All payments under this Act to be made weekly or on tho ordinary payday of the firm concerned, tho employers to pay all first aid, medical and surgical attendance, the sum not to exoeed £W." "That the Government be asked that tho Workmen's Wages Protection Act be amended so that wages be mado a first call over all goods arid chattels in the event of an employer's bankruptcy." "That tho Government be urged to establish State sawmills in the various centres of tho Dominion." "That the Government nationalise tho ferry service. "That this conference strongly protest against the Daylight Saving Bill being P n m the New Zealand Parliament." that all unions in future, when making an agreement with employers, accept not less than 9s. per day in any particular part of tho industry." "That tho Government ho urged to immediately settle worked-out sawmill areas, giving preference to sawmill workers." "That tho conference approves of a commission being appointed to investigate the causes of the high cost of living." A remit asking that provision be made so that any other Conciliation Commissioner may be procured when desired caused a little discussion, but was eventually withdrawn.

It was decided that the seat of the exocutive for tho coming year be Southland. The next conference will be held in Auckland, at Easter, 1913.

A deputation from the conference will wait on the Minister for Labour at 10.45 a.m. to-dav.