FUTURE OF THE "MAORILAND WORKER."

Maoriland Worker, Volume I, Issue 7, 20 March 1911, Page 6

FUTURE OF THE "MAORILAND WORKER."

(By Our Special Reporter.) The recent ballot taken by tthe Shearers' Union on the question of joining the JN'ew Zealand Federation of Labour, resulting in a six-to-one vote in favour of affiliation, necessitated a conference between representative® of the Union and the Federation on the future control of the "Maoriland Worker." Since the last conference between the two bodies, wliieth. was fully reported in the "Worker" at the time, that journal has been issued on behalf of the Shearers' Union with the aid of the Federation of Labour. It was resolved at previous conference tl at in the event of ballot being favourable to union with Federation, the two bodies should each provide a sum of £2000 for the purpose of purchasing a complete plant for issuing the "Worker" as the official organ of the New Zealand Federation of Labour. The conference opened at the Trades Hall, Christ-church, on Thursday, 16th February, when there were present: — For the Shearers' Union—Messrs. A. J. King (president), F. Wad-dell (secy.), A. M. Hail, F. Langs-ton, J. Johnstone, M. Laracy, and Miss Rout (editor of fine "Worker"). For the Federation of Labour —Messrs. P. C. Webb (president), R. Semple (organiser), J. Glover J. Dowgray (treasurer), P. H. Hickey, and R. Hogg. Mr. King was called to the chair. In his opening speech the Chairman reviewed previous conference proceedings, and outlined the object of the meeting. The Shearers' ballot had resulted in a vote favourable to amalgamation with the Federation of Labour. After a lengthy discussion on the balance-sheet, the future financing of the " Maomland Worker " was die alt with. Mr. Laracy explained that, owing to unforeseen circumstances, the Shearers had been unable to find their share of proposed capital. Mr. Hall advocated raising this by means of a levy on all members. Mr- Semple explained ho-w the Federation had raised its. share of the capital. A levy had been suggested, but as some unions had funds in their banks it had been decided to get 'oaiis from them to the extent of £2000. For tihe purpose of repaying this sum, a levy of threepence per member would be made, so that unions would share the liability equally. He considered it would be wise for the Shearers to raise their portion of the capital as a separate organisation. Mr Laracy claimed that the Shearers* Union was entitled to representation on the Board of the "Maoriland Worker" without regard to the £2000. Mc asked when the Federation was prepared to> had its share of the capital V Mr. Webb : At the end of this week. Mr. Laracy then said the Shearers would not hand over the journal unless they got equal representation on the Boari of Control. Mr. Webb said the Federation was bound to go on with its determination to establish a paper. The Shearers would be just as much interested in the official organ as other unions in the Federation. It was impossible to have the matter hung up any longer. He regretted the Federation had not adhered strictly to its own policy in connection with the proposed journal. Mr Hogg suggested that the Sihearers should raise a loan of £2000 and repay same 'by levying on their members. After some discussion on the question of a levy, Mr. Waddell moved that the Federation (inclusive of the Shearers' Union) should borrow £3000 or £4000. The motion was thrown out. Mr. Hall asked what position the Shearers would be in if they gave the Miners a guarasntee to raise their share of the capital within two months, in regard to the control of the paiper. Mr. Webb, in reply, said he would prefer to see the Federation proceeding to establish a paper with the £2000 in hani. Other unions as they joined would require to find any additional capital needed. If they wasted any more time they would render themselves ridiculous in the eyes of their members. He had no desire for a split. He wished to see the workers of the country organised in one great body. If they went on as they were doing there would be a big split. If the Shearers* -were unable to find their share of the capital, then the previous resolution dropped, and there was no other course qpen for the Federation but to proceed to purchase a plant and found an official crgan. If the Shearers came into the Federation then they would nave equal ('representation, and a say in moulding the policy of the paper.

The representatives of the Federation retired, to consider their position, and on resuming their seats announced that they (had passed the following resolution. : — That the New Zealand -tf'eie-a-tion of Labour pay the sum of £202 inclusive of the £50 already paid as their share of the liabilities incurred in running the "Maobjxand Worker," on condition that the "Maobiland Worker" be assigned by a legal document to the Federation of Labour, aoid that no further liabilities be payable by the said Federation on account of the past issues of the ' 'Maokiland Worker." After further abortive discussion the meeting adjourned for the day.