TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 21 February 1901, Page 2

TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL.

WEDNESDAY, FjJIiKCAIiV 20,

(Continued from fourth page.) Workman’s compensation tor accidents. Mr Betts reported that the commit'.ce had gone carefully through this Act, and were highly pleased with its principles, and he thought Government, ought to have our thanks for passing such an Act. The only clause that possibly might cause a discussion was (e'auso 5 ) Mr. Coppersmith thought the act a fair one.

Mr. Foster moved and Mr. Green seconded that this Act bo not interfered with as it was not long enough in force. The secretary read the balance sheet showing receipts for year to ho ;C76 17s 6d and the expenditure £’(!7 11s lOd. which wiih a balance of £l4 15s last credit leaves a balmcc in hand of £2l Os 8,1. To balance sheet was adopted.

Mr. Leitch asked if ho could get any information re cost of going to conciliation. The Chairman explained that going to conciliation would cost next to nothing, but if they had to go ti arbitration that would cost a few pounds. The Denniston miners’ first case at the Arbitration Court cost them something like LBO, but that was because they had no experience and brought unnecessary witnesses. They cou’d now do the same for half that amount.

All the delegates said on behalf of their respective Unions, that while they believed in Unions being self relient, they thought there would be no trouble m getting Blackball financial assistance in taking their case to Arbitration, seeing that they are a ydurig Union. Bussell moved that a tester be provided at all mines working with safety lamps so that all lamps may bo properly tested as to their safety before going in the mine. Resolved that the next meeting be held at Eeefton the second week in January 1902.. A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring officers for their past services ; also to the Wharf Labourers Union for the use of the Hall. The Secretary was to pay small accounts that may come duo during the year. ELECTION OF OFFICERS,

President, Mr Betts; Vice-President, Mr Foster; Secretary, Mr Bussell; Treasurer, Mr Coppersmith ; Trustees, Messrs Shaw and Leitch. Mr Betts moved that it bo an instruction to the delegates appointed at this meeting to attend the Dunedin Conference to use their utmost endeavours to organise the Agriculture Labour of the Colony. Carried.

Beso’ved that the Secretary be instructed to get the proceedings of this mooting printed and circulated amongst the Unions. Carried.