OPERATIVE BUTCHERS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1821, 6 August 1913, Page 5

OPERATIVE BUTCHERS.

AND THE RIVAL LABOUR CLAviS.

There was a particularly large attendance at the special meeting of tho Wellington Operative Butchers' Union, which was held last night at the Beehive Chambers, Courtenay Place, under the chairmanship of Jlr. .f. Sherwood (president). The principal matter discussed was the question ;of affiliating) -.with- tho ' United l Federation of- Labour or ,the Unity Labour' 'party, and it was decided, after a lengthy argument, that the union should affiliato with neither; the meeting not being satisfied with either tho. constitution or tho policy of the-United Federation.. It was pointed out that the 1 union;', according to its constitution, was not able to devote any of its funds to political purposes, so that it could not join tho Social Democratic party. With ..regard to tho Unity. Labour party, the meeting was also dissatisfied with its constitution, and could not see its way to' affiliating with that body. It was pointed out that in the past the union had been very successful in managing its own affairs-by conciliatory methods, and it was agreed that there was no inducement to depart from tho present policy. A ballot has been taken throughout the district on the question of alteration of rules to/provide for the election cachvear of the ]omt-s3cretni;y along, with other officers instead of his appointment being permanent. The ballot resulted in'the defeat of the motion by a majority, of five votes to every one in favour..' A vote of confidence was passed with tho widow-of the late Mr. J. H. Wilton, a member of the union, -whose death occurred recently. The meeting discussed the Shops and Oftices Consolidated Bill, and it was decided that tho union should give evidence before the' committee. The meeting expressed its satisfaction with some of the amendments which tho present Government were making, and , expressed the hope that other amendments would be inserted for the benefit and welfare of the employees.