DROPPING THE PILOT.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1931, 13 December 1913, Page 6

DROPPING THE PILOT.

NEW UNION SPREADS SAIL,

MR. LONG'S TALK ENDED.

FIRST MEMBERS' MEETING; A largely-attended general meeting of tno new Watcrsido Union was held last evening in J Shed, tho president of the union, Mr. W. J. Shanley occupying tho chair, 'llie business before tho meeting was consideration of the proposed agreement with tho shipowners, and to elect a successor to Mr. W. J. Long, tho retiring secretary of tho union.

iScforo proceeding with this, however, a letter was read from the various shipping companies (as employers of wharf labour) granting preference to union members who Tiad joined tho new union, on or before December o, 1.913. In furtlieranco of this, tho secretary was iustructecT to procuro tiistinctive badges as tho best meaii3 of iaent? tying*members entitled to prior claim i'or employment.

The terms of the proposed agreement; on being read to tho meeting, were favourably commented on, and provided several slight recommendations suggested by tho meeting aro embodied, liie union will accept it. These amendments were as follow: —(1) "That nightwatchmen bo paid Is. per hour, or 12s. per night of 6 p.m. to G a.m., in place of 10s., as offered by employers." (2) "That this meeting strongly recommends that all Sunday work bo barred unless in case of extraordinary ur-gei-cy." (3) "Tliat the union's cxeeutivo shall take ncocssary steps to provide labour for working-the regular ships in port- on tho day of tho uniou's annual picnic." (4) "Calls: That the hours of engagement of labour l'rom Mondays to Fridays be 7.45 a.m. to 10 a.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Oil Saturdays, 7.40 a.m. to 11 a.m." Tho employers' terms suggested that the hours should bo Mondays to Fridays 7.30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. to 1.30 p.m.

Dropping the Pilot. The resignation of tho secretary (Mr. W. 0. Long) was. then'announced, and received with general regret. A resolution by the executive was moved for confirmation that tho retiring secretary bo paid the sum of £6 por week for 'five' weeks, from November 6, for his services. This resolution was received, with cheers, and tho singing of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Many of the men mado feeling refercnco to Mr. Long's retirement. Mr. Long acknowledged tho hearty ''demonstration of appreciation.

' A proposal that Mr. C. A. E. I'urdey bo elected 'to fill the vacant position of secretary and treasurer, at a salary of £250 per annum, .was then carried by acclamation.

Mr. Purdio thanked tho men for tho honour which they had done him in giving him their confidence, and placing liim in such a responsible position. Ho hoped that tho union would always aim at the preservation of harmony between omployer and employee.

Use of Union Funds. Another resolution, which had been framed by tho vice-president (Mr. J. L. ltadclilfo) and passed by the executive, was unanimously, adopted as follows :— "That all funds of tho union, . over and above actual working expenses, bo put aside under tho control ot throe independent trustees, for a sick and accident fund. Moneys paid out of such fund to bo approved by n general meeting of members of the union, and paid opt by tho trustees under instructions from tho union, but in no case to •bo used for any other purpose than the relief of suffering caused by accident or sickness to members of tho union. Tho thrco trustees appointed shall bo:—Tho Mayor of Wellington (by virtue of Ins offico), Mr. J. G. W. Aitken, and Mr. W. 0. Long." Further resolutions were passed as follow:—"(1) That tho exccutivo members of the union bo paid out of union funds for all timo lost through attending exccutivo meetings during working hours " "(2) That Messrs. Williams aud Hunt bo asked to act as auditors for the union."

Tho Clad Hand. A motion was carried with great enthusiasm, welcoming into membership of the now union, the old watersido Workers who had returned to work (estimated at 300). The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman. A Likely Man. Mr. C. A. E. I'llnley, tho newlyelected secretary, is, comparatively s ? ™ i l ,?' 11 youn S man, and a native Oi Wellington. Ho is a cabinet-maker by trade, and is a financial member of the Furniture Workers' Union. For many years he took an ac'tivo part in tho old Volunteer movement, being nerollcd in the old Highland Rifles. Ho Tr ,Y? present time drum-major of the Wellington Fife Band. Speaking of his new charge, Mr. Purdey said that, outside his executive position, ho hoped to bo able to organise various sports- and athletic combinations among tho members. Being a keen rifle shot, his first efforts would bo.in this direction.

Harbour Board and Nov; Union. At tho next monthly meeting of tho Haihour Board, to bo licld on December If; motions will be moved as follow, in reference to preference of employment, on tho wharves being granted to Ar'oitratioju unionists:— Mr Kennedy to move: 1. That all casual wharf labourers who have worka J , k° n ™l sinco tho commencoinont of tho strike shall- continue to be offered preference of employment after tho strike is over, if, j'n tho opinion of the wharfinger and the labour foreman, tliev aro satisfactory workers and of good' character. 2. That, all additional labourers put on from this dato must produce evidence that t.liey aro members of the Arbitration Union. Mr. Cohen to move: 1. That tlio board affirm in principle that the service rendered _ by those workers who came to tho aid of tho board as casual labourers under the nowly-formcd Arbitration Union during the early period of trouble caused bv tho strike, be recognised. 2. That as far as i>ossible, all things being equal, they be given preferenco of future engagements. Mr. M'Far'ano to move: 1. That all casual wharf labourers who liavo worked for tho board since the commencement of the strike .shall continue to bo offered preference of employment aftor tho strike is over, if, in the opinion of tho wharfinger and labour foreman, they nro satisfactory workers and of good character. 2. 'And that all additional wharf labourers put on from this dato must produce cridenco that they aro members of the Arbitration Ilulion and of good character.

PRICES GO UP. (By Telegraph—Prcei AroodaUoiLl Christchurcll, December 12. Coal is still scarce in Christchurcll. Supplies are coining by rail from Timaru, adding considerably to tho cost, prices in many cases being ten to eleven shillings per ton above normal. (