TIMBER WORKERS’ UNION.

Grey River Argus, 15 February 1927, Page 2

TIMBER WORKERS’ UNION.

EXECUTIVE MEETING. The Executive of the above Union hold a meeting on Saturday last. Present: Messrs Topp (President), J. Doyle, J. Atkinson, W. Lowe, M. McLaughlan, and F. L. Turley (Secretary). The Secretary reported having visited all the mills in the Buller district since the holidays. At. one mill it was found that some of the men who were engaged on piece work, were working ten to twelve hours a day. The men engaged on this job had been warned as to the consequences if this kind of thing continued. Such a state of affairs clearly showed the necessity for a union, as otherwise they would soon have a ten to twelve-hour day forced on the rest of the workers. The Secretary also reported as to the settlement of a dispute which occurred lon the Hokitika Waterfront re loading timber. ’ TIMBER IMPORTS. A discussion took place as to the state of Hie timber industry through importations. It was decided that the Union ask for a commission to be set up to go fully into every phase of the timber industry, including cost of production, freights, merchants’ prices, and the dumping of foreign timbers on to the New Zealand market. UNEMPLOYMENT. Reference was made to the fact that it. had been reported by Mr A. Robinson (County Council member) and Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., that there were no timber workers available to take road work offering near Rotomanu i Those reports, it xvas pointed out, were without a particle of foundation, as a number of men at Te Kinga were ready and willing to take on such work, if they can procure same. Members remarked that it was the duty of responsible men in the community to be absolutely sure of their grounds be+*or(‘ making xvild statements about matters they were apparently not in touch with. * Members also understood that men were being refused xvork when calling on the Public Works Dopa rtmcDt CHINA. The following resolution xvas carried regarding the state of affairs in China: ‘“That the Executive of tin 1 Westland Timber Workers’ Union, realising that the present struggle of the Chinese is f or emancipation from the yoke of foreign capital, especially that of Great Britain, calls on the workers of New Zealand generally and of the West Coast in particular, to oppose by all means in their power, any attempt at interference by the Government.” ROYAL VISIT.

The following resolution regarding the world cruise of the Duke and Duchess of York was adopted: “That in face of the fact that there are mil lions of starving unemployed throughout the British Empire, this Executive calls upon the workers not to countenance in any way the uncalled for extravagance entailed in a world tour of the Duke and Duchess of York; wo further say that the amount of money to be wasted on such tour could be much better used by giving work to the unemployed. All Labour officials are also requested to take no part in the celebrations tendered to the Duke and Duchess.” GENERAL. Four members were fined 10/-, and the Secretary was instructed to hand their names to the Union Solicitor, with instructions to summons if dues are not paid by the 19fh inst. Tt was pointed out that every member should see that his contributions to June 30th are paid at once, as financial members will have preference of work. . Accounts totalling over £2OO were passed for payment.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. Tt was decided to hold the annual general meeting on March sth next at the Lyceum Hall, Greymouth. (So that there will be no misunderstanding, it is as well to state that this day will not be a compulsory holiday, but all members should make an effort to attend.)