STONEMASONS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1894, 31 October 1913, Page 3

STONEMASONS.

CONFERENCE OF UNIONS. A conference) of tho stonemasons from the various parts, of tho Dominion was licld in, tho Trades Hnli yesterday, and will bo continued to-day. Tlio various unions were represented by Messrs. W. Vennell and Bicknell (Auckland), J. li. Ilickmott (Wellington), Hon. J.. Barr and Air. Haymes (Cliristchurelr), and J. A. Ward (Dimedin). The business of tlio conference was for the most part confined to questions affecting tho industry. Tho principle questions of general interest discussed were tlio proposed amendments to tho Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. Decisions were arrived at which art) to be submitted to tlio Labour Bills Committee. A resolution to join tho United Labour party and a resolution to join the Federation of Labour wore both defeated. During tho course of tlio afternoon a deputation waited oil the Minister of Railways in connection with' tho cost of carriage of masons' tools, which it was held cost in some instances considerably moro thin tho railway fare of tlio owners. Tho Labour Department was severely criticised for issuing in 'tlio monthly journal of tlio Department reports of tho state of the mason's trade, which were hold to be contrary to the true position. It was Btated that while tlio Department reported trade in, Auckland as good it was worso than it had been for years, eight masons being out _of work with littlo prospects of obtaining employment at their trado. Tho conference resolved un-atiimmisly that the secretaries in the various centres forward a monthly report to the district branch of tho Labour Department. Tho Dunedin Union will act as the federation's executive until the Parliamentary Buildings aro started, when the oxecutivo will bo removed to Wellington.