TRADES AND LABOR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1796, 29 June 1906, Page 3

TRADES AND LABOR.

DEFENCE OF MR TREGEAR.

(Per Press Association.) Dunedin, last night. At a meeting of tho Otago Trades and Labor Council, it was dooidod to placo a comprehensive minute on tho books complimentary of tho work of tho R'ght Hon. Mr Soddon. A resolution was passed protesting against tho influx of Ohinoso and other Asiatics, and dcolaring for a whito Now Zoaland. It was dooidod to convoy an expression of sympathy to the family of tho late Hod. D. Pinkerton. It was also resolved to oxpress disapproba l lion of tho aotion of oortain unionists in Christchurch and oihor contras io forming tbo New Zialand Workers’ Political Association in opposition to tho Indopondent I PolitioalLsborLoogue.deDmtngeuoh action I at once disloyal and in opposition to the I best interests of tho workers of tbo oolony. I Tho following was also pss-od : " Tbe I notice of this Oounoil having been drawn to tho intontion of tbe New Zaaland I Employers’ Federation to bring noder tbo 1 uotioo of the Premier and Parliament a I private letter written by Mr Tregear over 12 months ago, and reoontly published,

“ UJUUIUO ouu F - . steps bo taken to prevent injustice being done to Mr Tregear. Tho Council affirms that Mr Tregear should bo judged by his administration extending over so many years, and not by his private views and sentiments expressed in a private letter. The Council has not at all times agreed with tho decisions of tho Secretary of Labor, but expresses tho belief that Mr Ticgear has endeavored to hold the balaooe fairly between labor and ospital. i The Counoil is also of opinion that an attempt is now being made to wipe off imaginary grievance* whioh some employers feel they owe to the Secretary for Labor, and that this private letter Is I sought to be made the medium through I which to strike Mr Tregear; and further I expresses the opiaion that if ho wero punished for writing a private letter to a I friend it would be un-British and degrading to the oolony’s self respect; and in I conclusion urge loveis of fair play to protost against this attempt to injure a faithful and loyal public official. Other coaa- I oils are to be asked to pass a similar motion.