TIMBER WORKERS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 235, 30 June 1919, Page 5

TIMBER WORKERS

The Timber Workers' Conference concluded its sittings on Saturday morning. Mr. T, O'Byrne' presided.

It was resolved, on the motion of Messrs. P. Turley and H. Phelan, that the Government be requested to'~enaot legislation compelling owners of sawmills to provide bathroom and drying-room accommodation for workers in sawmills.

Tho following resolution, proposed by Mr. H. Hunter, and seconded by Mr. H. Willis, was also carried: "That this conference is of opinion that the time has arrived for the organisation of industrial departments covering all workers in thj building and wood-working trades, and with a view of accomplishing this object agrees to instruct the national executive to call a conference of all the organisations involved."

A letter was received from the Watersido Worker's' Federation, pointing, out that it had taken steps to induce the Government to repeal the War Regula-, tions, and release all the offenders who were in gaol as a result of committing breaches of the Military Service Act anil the Wnr Regulations.

As the matter had not been before all the unions affiliated prior to the delegates leaving for the conference, and as a copy of the letter had recently been forwarded to all -unions affiliated to the federation, it was resolved, on the motion of Messrs: E. Phelan and H. Hunter, to recommend the unions to take into earnest consideration the advisability of urging the repeal of those portions of the Act which detrimentally affected the welfare and' freedom of the workers.

The. conference decided that tlw national executive of the federation should be located at Christchurch for the ensuing year, with Mr. Hiram Hunter as secretary, and that the next conference be held at Wellington at the end of June. 1920. '

Delegates agreed that a letter, should be fent to the King Country Timber Workers' Union congratulating it on its formation, and trusting that it would be represented at t]io next conference.

It was also decided to compliment the Wcstland Timber 'Union on its accession of strength during the 'past year, and pn the good work accomplisheel by it on behalf of the workers engaged in the industry in that district.

A vote of. thanks was passed to the executive committee for the work done during the past year, rartienlnvly the secretary, Mr. Hiram Hunter, for' the-con-scientious nud able manner in \vhich lie had carried out his duties. Bv- way of appreciation, Mr. Hunter was -voted «Cl 3 as an honorarium.

A vote of thanks to tho chairman cohcluded the conference, the decisions of which are to he placed before Cabinet as soon as a meeting can. bo arranged.