TIMBER WORKERS’ FEDERATION

Hokitika Guardian, 3 July 1920, Page 1

TIMBER WORKERS’ FEDERATION

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, July 2

The Timber Workers’ Federation of, New Zealand opened their annual conference at the Wellington Trades Ida 11 and it was continued to-day. The delegates present were: —Messrs T. O’Byrne (Southland), F. Turley and B. Topp, (Westland), Hiram Hunter, (Canterbury), J. Reed, "and W. Donaldson, (Wellington), and E. Phelan, (Auckland). Mr E. Phelan was. elected President. Mr H. Hunter was re-elected Secretary for the ensuing twelve months. The question of the organising of the country districts was discussed, and the following motion adopted:—“That the Wellington Timber Workers’ Union be requested to organise the Wellington industrial district, (town and country), and that 'the Federation wish them every success, and agree to render all possible assistance.” Tho annual report, covering the activities of the Federation during the year, and the balanco sheet, showing the finances to be in a satisfactory con. dition were adopted, and a vote of thanks passed to the officers for their services.

To-day the following resolutions wer c > adopted:— “That prior to the inspection of sawmills ,and accommodation, the. Secretary of the organisation controlling the industry which it is proposed to inspect shall be notified of such inspection and shall have the right to accompany the Inspector.” “That where abandoned sawmill areas are opened rip for selection by the Government, the timber workers, with their families residing in the district shall ho given preference in securing a holding in such areas.” This afternoon, tho conference was visited by Messrs Ellis and Phillips-Tur-ned of the Forestry Department, who discussed matters of interest to the department and tho timber workers.