THE GENERAI. ELECTIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2295, 14 September 1908, Page 2

THE GENERAI. ELECTIONS.

THE GISBORNE SEAT,

ATTITUDE OF TRADES COUNCIL,

At a mooting of the East Coast Trades and Labor Council last month a letter was received from an affiliated -‘union, asking the Council to convene a meeting ot workers with a view of [taking united action at the coining Flection. The letter was referred to [the Alanagement Committee, who retJerred tho letter back to the union 'concerned, asking them to amend the word “workers” to “unionists,” and ■the matter would be further consider-, ed. At tho Trades Council meeting on Saturday evening the amended letter was received. ' One speaker urged that the matter should bo taken up. Labor should make-a stand for itself. The union’s request must be acceded to, as the rules provided for . the taking of a referendum on any subject demanded by a union. . The President stated that such a rule did not exist in the Council’s rules. The speaker replied that he understood it was embodied in' the Trades Conference’s rules. Ho wished the . Council to convene a meeting for tho' purpose of nominating a candidate, and thought they could get such a candidate to place a written resignation in the hands of the Council, to be put into effect if the candidate did not fulfil his pledges. Ho moved: “That a meeting of unionists be called for tho purpose of taking united action at the coming election.” The proposition was seconded, the seconder stating that farmers ran candidates under various associations, and why should not labor? The President thought the motion went too far. Immediately the Council nominated a candidate they entered party politics, which was not allowed under the rules of tho Council. There was nothing to prevent them supporting a candidate in the interests of labor, which was allowed for by the rules, but they could not nominate a Labor, Socialist, Liberal, or Conservative candidate, as such was a party action. He suggested that the matter be referred to the Alanagelnent Committee, asking them to draft a set of questions to be submitted to each candidate, and when replies were forthcoming to bring the matter again before the Council. The suggestion found a ready proposer and seconder. In supporting the amendment, one speaker said he did not. see how the Council could successfully run a candidate: The larger centres were in a position to do so, but the district’s industries were too limited to allow of success locally. After further discussion the amendment was put and carried, and when put as the substnntiative motion was adopted unanimosuly.

AN AVON CANDIDATE

[Press Association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 12,

Air John Jamieson, wno is a member of the Education Board and the East. Christchurch School Committee, and who has taken an active interest in matters affecting the Avon electorate, will he a candidate for Avon at the coming election.

DUNEDIN CANDIDATES.

[Press Association,]

DUNEDIN, Sept. 13.

The Political Labor League has decided to nominate AIrR. R. Douglas for Dunedin South seat, now held by Air. T. K. Sidey, at the general election, and Air. J. A. Alunro for Dunedin AA’est, now represented by Hon. J. A. Alillar. Mr. McLaren, AVellington, wrote declining to accept nomination for Dunedin AVest. The League decided to recommend Air. AA 7 . Barr to the workers of Chalmers, and Air. J. T. Johnson to the workers of the Taieri electorate.