BAKERS’ CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1023, 16 October 1903, Page 3

BAKERS’ CONFERENCE.

Per Press Association,

Auckland, last night, (p [The Colonial Conference of Bakers resolved in favor of the retention of an import tax on flour.. They resented Mr Taylor's charges in Parliament that a combine existed between the bakers and millers as being untrue. The conference discussed the disqualification of second hands, and resolved that no man ought to receive second-hand pay unless capable of doing foreman’s work. The conference appointed Mr Kellow as president, Mr Laurensonn vice-president Mr McCarthy secretary, Mr Churchill treasurer, and Messrs McFarlane, Denbard, Kilduff, and Lungdon the executive, all of Wellington, except Mr Laurenson, who is of Dunedin.; - At the Bakers’ Conference Mr Dustin raised the question of Mr Taylor’s charges in the House of Parliament, alloging that a combine existed between millers and bakers. The President said the charge was baseless. There was no combine, but only an understanding to stop underselling. Other mombers spoke on the matter, expressing similar views, and it was stated a Parliamentary enquiry was now proceeding. He bad failed to prove that any combine existed, Messsrs KiDg and McParland moved, 11 That this Conference is of opinion that the duty ought to be retained on imported wheat,” Mr Laurensen moved an amendment, “ That the duty ought to bo removed.” The original motion was carried by a large majority. Mr MdParland advocated the keeping of a register of competent bakers in each centre, in order to assist masters in obtaining men, and a motion in this direction was passed. It was resolved, “ That the Secretary ought to be made a permanent officer during good behaviour, and that the Exeou- . tivo be empowered to give effect to this wish.” Some discussion took place as to the Arbitration Court definition of a " second band.” Mr Lauronson moved, “ That in the opinion of the Conference no second hand should be paid second hand wages unless he is competent to take a foreman’s place in an emergency.” The motion was earVied, The following offioors were appointed President, Mr Kellow; Vice-President, Mr Bauronson (Dunedin); Secretary, Mr MoCarthy; Treasurer, Mr Churchill; Executive Committee, Messrs McParland, Denhard, Kilduff, Langdown, and and one representative to be appointed by each Union.'*' Later.—At tho mooting of bakers tonight the disorganised state of the trade in Auckland was referred to. The colonial secretary (Mr McCarthy), it is understood, will romain for a week in Auckland for the purposo of assisting in orgauising the local bakers, in consideration of all joining the Union. The offer was promptly accepted, • At tijo close of tho mooting the Union bad 19 now members, bringing tho total up to 45. The Auckland Union is now numerically the strongest in the colony.