The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, AUGUST 7, 1901. LABOR LEGISLATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 180, 7 August 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, AUGUST 7, 1901. LABOR LEGISLATION.

During the last three months the press of the colony has commented severely on the question of labor legislation. These remarks have within the last three weeks become stronger, and stronger, and they may be said to have reached a climax in the statesmanlike advice given by the Premier to the deputation that waited upon him in Wellington on Monday. There may be some of the extreme labor party who will possibly resent the remarks made by Mr Seddon, but we believe that the vast majority of the members of the various unions will, after calm consideration, recognise that it is the advice of a true friend, and they will weigh it deeply before disregarding it. The Premier has un-. doubtedly struck the keynote when he says that we are nearing the time, if we have not already reached it, when public opinion, must be adverse to the claims of the extremists among the labor party. It is manifestly to the disadvantage of the employers as well

as the employees that this continual state of unrest ,and turmoil should be maintained. The Arbitration and Conciliation Acts were intended to remedy real grievances and not to enable one party to steadily undermine the position of the other, as there is every propect of them doing unless the curb is put on. The Premier apparently recognises this, aud is to be applauded for the action ha has taken. We very much fear that if a statement were prepared, showing the nature of the claims brought before the Court, and the awards given, that, with very few exceptions, the decisions have been in the direction of harassing employers of labor and the investors of capital. It is clear to the most short-sighted that this state of things cannot go on infinitum. Mr Seddon gives it as his candid opinion that the point of prudence has already been passed and further advances will risk a reaction which may bo very prejudicial to the working classes. To proceed in the direction asked by some of the labor loaders will only result in the advantages already gained being sacrificed. It would be as well that the loaders of these unions should see that they are supported by the majority of tho members before airiug their own individual ideas. There is no doubt that tho effects of this labor legislation are more discernable and keenly felt in the cities than in the country, but oven in. the latter it is open to objection. It is in the interests of true liberalism to encourage the investment of capital and to insure tho safety of it when invested ; also that capital should receive a fair return, but tho direction of much of tho labor legislation appears to be to deprive capitalists of all security and imperil their being ablo to obtain the most moderate return for their investments. The whole of the risk is thrown on tho employer, whilst tho workmen dictate the rate of wages and tho hours of labor quite regardless of the effect it may have on tho industry in which thoy are engaged. We think with tho Premier that there should be somo reciprocity between the emplovors and employees, for one cannot get on without the other. Mr Seddon, in the stand he lias taken, will have the cordial support of all well-wishers of the Liberal party throughout the colony, as well as the vast majority of those who are desirous of forwarding the true interests of labor.

Many harvesters in Ireland are starting for Manitoba. Cr Lvsnar, at the Council last night: “ The mortgage tax; is the most iniquitous ever enacted.” Two officials at Berlin have been suspended for selling copies of the tariff to a German newspaper. Mr Cameron, a Ministerialist, has been elected unopposed for the vacancy in the Assembly for North Brisbane. A cablegram from Melbourne states that Mr Groom, member of the House of Representatives, is seriously ill. One sawmilling firm at Takapau, Hawke’s Bay, will ship to Sydney early this month 450,000 feet of white pine. Miss Robertson, who has for years presided over the dressmaking department of Mr W. Pottie’s business, is about to leave for England. The Colonial mails sent from Melbourne per s.s. India on July fil'd arrived at London on the morning of August 4th, one day early. Mr Gow, Commissioner of Trade and Commerce, proposes to leave the colony on his mission on the 17th inst. The first port of call will probably be Capetown. Beyond that his movements are uncertain.

The barquentine Kate Tatham, which arrived at Napier from Newcastle on Monday night, had a rough experience. When off Cape Palliser an unusually heavy sea smashed one of the boats. The half-yearly meeting of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, M.U., Auckland District, is to bo hold in Auckland on the 28th August. At a meeting of the Loyal Gisborne Lodge on Monday evening, Bro. S. H. M. Quigley, G.M., and Bro. H. Humphreys, V.G., were appointed to represent the Lodge at the meeting. “ I would like the Council to pass a resolution that an advertisement be inserted stating that the rates must be paid or they will bo sued for,” said the Town Clerk last night ; “ the overdraft is up to the limit, and tho rates are coming in very slowly.” The suggestion was adopted.

11l another column Mr K. K. Macdonald announces that ho is going out of the stationery business, and is therefore selling out his stock of books, stationery, fancy goods, and music at greatly reduced prices. These goods are of first-class quality, and should bo eagerly sought after.

Arrangements in connection with the Mutual Improvement Society’s annual conversazione, to be hold in tho Academy of Music on August 26th, are now well in hand, and the entertainment promises to he a great success. The tickets are fixed at the low price of Is, and we have no doubt that the function will be as well patronised as those of former years. Mr W. 11. Trimble, who was for a long

time connected with the Land and Survey Office in Gisborne, and who now resides in Dunedin, has been elected secretary of tho Fabian Society of that town. Ho was a prominent member of the Gisborne Mutual Improvement Society, and occupied the position of editor of the Society’s journal till his departure for the Southern city. Tho FaLipi) Society have in Mr Trimble an energetic worker, At the Council meeting last night, Cr Lysuar suggested that a notice should at once be put in the papers to the effect that the Taruhoru bridge was to be closed for repairs. Cr Harding said it would be well advertised —there would bo enough complaints and letters to the papers. Cr Miller hinted ihjsf the enraged milkmen who could not get across the bridge would be referred to Cr Lysuar. The Councillors are evidently it) for a '* hot time." At the meeting of tho Borough Council last night Cr Morrison asked when the subject of abattoirs would bo gone into. The Mayor said there was that and the cemcterv question to go into, as soon as they eed’d set the course clear. By the appearance 0/ Jjfk meeting they would have to meet more than oiiC? a week. Cr Morrison said yayi Mr Score's place, advertised, ough*. to bo a good site upon which to erect public abattoirs. The matter was then dropped, but it was decided to take the Charitable Aid Board work before going into the water supply.

The Manchester Unity [of Oddfellows are to celebrate their twenty-seveDth anniversary by an invitation social in MeFarlane’s Hall on Thursday evening, August loth. This function is notable for the attractiveness of the regalia which is worn during the evening, and with tho regalia of the representatives from tho Sister Lodges the scene on tho evening should be a very pleasing one. Tho Gisborne Tent, 1.0. R., have appointed Bro. A. Pool, P.C.R., to represent them ; the Star of New Zealand Tent, 1.0. R., is to be represented by Sister D. O'Connor ; and the Star of Gisborne Lodge, 1.0.0. F., A.C., will have its representative in Bro. J. Bobb.

It was after half-past ten last night when the Borough Council reached the question of water and drainage. Councillors 6adly regarded the face of the clock, but Cr Harding said that this subject was what ire ha.d been waiting for ; tho public, he , aid, were getting tired of these continual'.'dcjays, and it was time that they did .something definite in the matter. “ Leave it Until February,” suggested Cr Hepburn ; " the trvuble now is that there is too much water, and the trouble is to get rid of -fie "mud.” One Councillor unkindly Suggested that if more of tho Coune. hors went to the hospital with fever she town would soon have water and damage. The subjects were deferred until nest Tuesday night,

Messrs A. Parnell and Co. have a change of advertisement in this issue. Mr Louish, the blind man, is to visit the school at 12.45 to-day, with his musical organ. The s.s. Omapcre calls at Port Awanui on her way North next L ip, leaving here on Tuesday, the loth inst. Messrs Smith and Mo .'ison, Makauri, offers a reward to any person returning a red cow lost in July. The annual meeting of the Haiti ratepayers will be held in the Borough, Council Chambers this evening at half-past seven. Mr T. McGregor, proprietor of the KiaOra Butter Factory, invites tenders for the purchase of the buttermilk for 12 months.

At the Council meeting last night, Cr Jones pointed out one of tho anomalies in the by-laws. It was a breach to leave a “cart” unattended, but there was nothing to prevent a horse being left unattended. At a meeting of the Haiti Road Board yesterday, Mr Bridges spoke of the “ squatters ” on the Board’s land along tlic beach, and enquired whether it was possible to get any rates from them. It was decided that the Board should form, a committee to make a scale for “ squatters,” with power to act. The Chairman said they should not go on the principle of squeezing as much out of them as possible, but he thought they should get some control over tho road.

It was stated at the Borough Council last night that a house doscribed in Dr Valentine’s report as being in a very insanitary state had been burned down. “ AVhy didn’t you let- the other ono go 7 ” was the question asked of the Mayor (the Superintendent of tho Fire Brigade). That gentleman laughingly said that tho fire could not bo carried across the paddock. Of tho other house it had been said that it appeared to have been a hot-bod of disease.

A discussion took place at the Borough Council last night on tho subject of milk, and how it came that dregs were to be found at the bottom of milk jugs. The Town Clerk said that one lady had come to the Council Chambers and complained that instead of the cream being on tho top of the milk it was to be found at tho bottom. (Laughter.) Cr Jones said tho milk delivered at his place was always clean, but another Councillor said that at tho bottom of some jugs there w 7 us good material for tho growing of potatoes. (Laughter.) It was agreed that the Dairy Inspector should closely look into the matter and obtain samples of the milk. “ Let him shake tho cans well,” said one Councillor. Mr A. F. Kennedy, President of tho

Beautifying Association, writes as follows :—“ Permit mo, through your valuable columns, to call public attention to the urgent need of funds to carry on the good work commenced by the Beautifying xVssociation. An appeal has already been made for prompt payment of members’ subscriptions, and soliciting support from every member of the community taking any interest in the wolfaro of the district, and although this has met with a fairly liberal response, there are still many who have not yet sent in their contributions. I would appeal to all interested to contribute as soon as possible, and assist to make tho Association a lasting bonefit to our town, which stands so sadly in need of adornment. Mr Bridges, secretary, Mr Symes, treasurer, or any members of the committee would gladly receive subscriptions.”

Tho missionary meeting at AVeslcy Church last night was well attended. After devotional exercises, Mr H. Lang gave an interesting address, recounting personal reminiscences of mission work in India, and concluded with an earnest appeal for more workers. Several lantern pictures, illustrating early Methodist history, followed, and were explained by the Rev. F. B. Roth well, who spoke of John Wesley as ono of the greatest missionaries. A brief sketch was then given of early missions in New Zealand, touching on the work of Rev. Samuel Marsden (Anglican), and Leigh (Wesleyan), who were tho pioneers of their respective churches. Tho Rev. Canon Webb spoke on the work of Bishop Selwyn, whose portrait was thrown on tho screen, dwelling on the founding of the Melanesian mission and its subsc-

quent success. After a few more slides bearing on more recent times, the meeting was brought to a close. Mr Alex. Thomson efficiently manipulated the lantern. Tho half-yearly summoned meeting of the Loyal Gisborne Lodge, T.0.0.F., M.U., was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Monday evening, Bro. B. S. Cox, N.G., presiding. Tho balance-sheet of the last half-year, which was very favorable, was presented and adopted. It showed the funds as exceeding A'6ooo, the interest earned from winch having been sufficient to cover all sick pay. It is a pleasing state of affairs for a Lodgo to have its funds principally invested among tho members, as tho Loyal Gisborne Lodgo has. Tho quinquennial valuation is to bo taken shortly, when it is expected that the Lodgo will show a very large surplus, and this fact should have a great influence

in causing members to join, as any now members would participate in any surplus .that may bo shown. The balance-sheet of the Juvenile Lodge was also presented and adopted. While showing a very satisfactory financial position, it presented a weakness in regard to its numerical strength. A lot of discussion took place on this matter, and a committee was appointed, consisting of Past Grands Pros. J. Warren, W. C. McLean, W. J. Cox, T. Adair, A. Thomson, P. Schwabe, P. Jeune, M. G. Nasmith (jun.), A. W. Kirk, Per. Sec. Ambridge, Noble Grand B. S. Cox, and vice-Grand 11. Humphreys, to draw up a report on the best means of reviving the Juvenile Lodge. The committee arc to moot next Friday evening. The ordinary meeting of the Kaiti Itoad Board, held yesterday, was attended by Messrs Matthewson (chairman), Bull, Bridges, and Harris. Mr J. ficore waited on the Board and asked to have the water-table in front of his paddock deepened so as to allow the water to get away, as at present it was flooding his property. Messrs Bridges and Harris were appointed to look into the matter. It was decided to hold a special meeting on Friday, at 11 a.m., to strike the general rate. Mr T. Bell wrote complaining of I the state of Craig’s road, and pointed; out ' how it could be improved. The Board could do nothing in the matter, as the road was not within their jurisdiction. It was decided to do certain repairs to Hirini street, complaints having been received from Mr C. H. W. Dixon and others. With regard to the deepening of Butene street, it was agreed to do the work as soon as the Engineer had completed the levels. The Board decided to insure its workmen against accident, a policy to be taken out in the Government Office. Mr F. Harris spoke of the practice of allowing cattle to be at ISTge on the roads throughout the district. °IIc thought the Board should take immediate steps to stop the nuisance, which was a disgrace to the district. It was decided to 'write to cno ratepayer with regard to his cattle trespassing on to Darwin road. It was also agreed to strictly enforce the by-law with regard to this matter.