THE AMALGAMATED CARRENTERS.

Evening Star, Issue 4125, 17 May 1876, Page 3

THE AMALGAMATED CARRENTERS.

Some time ago we described at some length the nature and position of one of the most important English trade unions, the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters, of which a branch has been established in this city for about six months. We have been favored with a copy of the parent society’s monthly report for February, 1876. Erom this we learn that the total number of branches was 286, and of registered members 14,968. Of these, four branches are accredited to this Colony, one being establed in each of the principal cities. Only one branch is established in Australia, that of Sydney numbering but eleven members. The total number of unemployed receiving assistance from the society is given at 196, and those under sick benefit at 290. The state of trade is supposed to be reported by each branch, but in several cases, including all in New Zealand, no return has been forwarded Every branch in Canada and the United States (with the single exception of Philadelphia, described as '• moderate ”) reports trade as “ dull ” or “ very bad.” Five accidents are recorded, in three of which the full

“ Accident Benefit ”of LIOO has been granted, the “ Partial Accident Benefit” of LSO being granted in the other two cases. The affairs of the Society appear to be very carefully and judiciously administered, and the provisions for sickness, accident, old age, and death are on a very liberal scale; and there can be no question that such associations, when—as in the present case—purely voluntary and non-compulsory, are productive of much benefit to the working classes. —‘ Post/