DRAPERS AND CLOTHIERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1298, 17 May 1878, Page 3

DRAPERS AND CLOTHIERS’ ASSOCIATION.

A general meeting of the Drapers and Clothiers’ Association was held last night at Radcliffe’s Hotel. Mr D. E. Davies occupied the chair, and opened the proceedings by stating that the committee had called the meeting for the purpose of considering the advisability of winding up the association, or of adopting some means of keeping it together. He referred to the resignation of the chairman of the association, Mr Gray, through his annoyance at the little interest taken in its welfare, only 5 per cent, of the members of the trade having given countenance to the movement. In answer to a question, the Chairman said the the assets of the association would no more than meet liabilities, Mr C. M. Gray moved—“ That in consequence of the society having failed to effect the object for which it was established, namely, the curtailing of the hours of labor, the association be wound up.”

Mr Howell seconded the motion. Mr Routledge, Mr S bar land, and many others opposed the proposition, _ In the course of the discussion those who supported the motion expressed much dissatisfaction at the failure which had attended the efforts of the association to establish early closing. On the other hand those who opposed the resolution took a hopeful view of the prospects of the movement, and deprecated its abandonment, simply because it had not been successful so soon as had been anticipated. These suggested that the meetings of the association should be held more frequently, and that subscriptions should be again collected. The Chairman claimed for the association that it had done much good, if not by obtainin" the shortening of hours, at least by preventing the lengthening of them. _ Jle referred to his experience in London and Liverpool, where the employers supported such aa association by handsome subscriptions.

The motion was then put to the meeting. Only three voted for it, and it was declared to be lost. Mr Sharland moved—“ That ;i member of committee in each house be asked to canvass members in each house and see what promises of subscriptions can bo obtained, and report to the cssoci ition at its next general meeting.” Mr Wilkinson seconded the motion.

Mr Triggs moved us an amendment—“ That subscriptions be levied, and that the names of those who do not subscribe be struck oft the roil of the association.”

The Secretary suggested that there were many new hands who would join the association if they were asked.

After some discussion, the motion of Mr Sharland was withdrawn in favor of the following, proposed by the secretary—“ That papers be sent to each house,and that all who are desirous of becoming members should (subscribe their names.” This was agreed to.

Mr Slurlaiid proposed, and Mr Tribe seconded, a vote of thanks to Mr Grey for bis valuable services as chairman.

Tiip mte was unanimously aqrtfpd to, and wiZo-i lecked by Mr wfco yjroaiM to

continue to take interest in the welfare of the association. He hud proposed the motion to wind-up the association, he said, merely to test the feeling of the meeting, but was well pleased that it had not hern carried. It was decided that the next general meeting should take place on the first Thursday in J une. Two new members were elected. Some discussion followed as to the future policy of the assoeittion, and a suggestion was made that an attempt should be made to obtain a half-holiday in the middle of the week, also to obtain the advocacy of the ministers of religion. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.