WORKING MEN’S POLITICAL ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2520, 6 May 1882, Page 3

WORKING MEN’S POLITICAL ASSOCIATION.

Last evening a monthly meeting of the Christchurch and Suburban Working Men’s Political Association was held in the Free Thought Hall. Mr B. P. Ekberg was voted to tho chair. There was a moderate attendance.

Mr J. Crowley, one ot tho vice-presidents, wrote, apologising for absence through pressure of business.

The question of amalgamating with tho Otago Trades and Labor Council was discussed, Mr L. Pozzi advocating this step, and urging that union should be promoted throughout the colony ; yet he thought definite action ought to be postponed for the consideration of a fuller meeting. Mr B. Johnson also urged that strength lay in union, and that a friendly feeling should be reciprocated between the Christchurch Association and similar bodies.

Mr Thomas Graham, secretary, pointed out that this body was essentially political, and by its 27ch rule was practically debarred from affiliation with the Otsgo Council. At the same time, there was no hindrance to both associations acting in conjunction, and corresponding on political subjects. To go beyond this it would become necessary for the Christchurch body to disband and enrol themselves as members of a trades and labor council.

Mr Handisides spoke in favor of an alteration in the association's name, as working men generally did not care for being identified with societies of an exclusively political character.

Mr Hatchard said that, whereas the Otago society admitted bodies only, the Christchurch society was obliged to admit individual members, in view of the present phase of trades’ unions in Christchurch district, there not being more than 300 or 400 members of such unions in Christchurch and the vicinity. After some remarks from Mr Brownlee, it was agreed to adjonrn the discussion for next monthly meeting, at which it was hoped there would bo a better attendance.

Severol members expressed an opinion that the formation of an United New Zealand Trades and Labor Council would effect much benefit in regulating wages with a reasonable regard to the interests of working men. The election of a president was deferred till next meeting. The secretary was instructed to forward a copy of the rules to the Parliamentary members of Christchurch and district.

An honorary member having been elected, a vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings.