FIFTH DAY.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 25, 25 August 1911, Page 6

FIFTH DAY.

Mr. Mcßae moved, and Mr. W. Johnstone seconded: That the resolution passed the previous day to secede from the Federation of Labor be rescinded, and that the following be substituted: "That, instead of a plebiscite being taken on the question of secession from the Federation of Labor, a plebiscite be taken in shearing season to ascertain, if the members of the Association approve of the policy _anrt general conduct of "The Maoriland Worker" or otherwise, and that this conference decides that the present subscription of 10s for shearers and 5s for shed hands will not allow the Association paying more than Is per member per annum to the Federation of Labor." The motion was discussed at length by the various delegates, and was agreed that there was no "split" at all between the miners and shearers, and -that the differences of opinion that existed related merely to the amount of contribution- and to the methods of expounding the policy of the paper and its general tone. If these matters could be settled satisfactorily, there was no need to take a plebiscite; otherwise the plebiscite must be taken. The Executive of the Shearers' Association was entitled to decide this matter under the rules, being guided by the expressed wishes of the conference. On being put to conference, the

It was also resolved tliat Mr. Laracy be appointed general organising secretary at a remuneraton of £4 10s per week, with permission to render what assistance lie could in regard to getting advertisements for "The: Maoxiland Worker," and to procure at hire own expense such clerical assistance as be needed when absent from Christchurch, and that the head office of the Shearers' Association, be in Christchurch. Mr. Ross (Editor of "The Mao«riland Worker") gave a vigorous and interesting address : to. conference, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks, b> acclamation. It was resolved that Messrs. Me-; I.cod, Townsend, Mcßae, Nicholson, Boon and Laracy be appointed a subcommittee to go into the matter of necessary alteration of rules, and that the amended rules agreed to at th*> extraordinary conference be rescinded. It wais resolved that the next conference be held at the usual time (April) in Wellington ; that the ballot to increase the price of tickets be referred back to the members this season; and that the general organising secretary supply a page of.shearers' news to "The Maorilaiid Worker" each week. ELECTIONS., Mr. C. McLaren was elected as general -returning officer. Trustees, Messrs Townsend and C. Johnston; Finance Committee, Messrs. Purvis, King ana Fitzgerald; lleps. on Federation ol Labor Executive, Messrs. King, W Johnstone and Laxaov: liens, on Newspaper Board, Messrs. C. Johnston and Laracy. Resolved: That the funds of the Shearers 'Association should be con-

Shearers' Accommodation Bill:; and that the different branches be urged to obtain the support of this: measure from the Parliamentary candidates and members of the different districts. Votes of thanks fto . the Chairman and the reporter closed the conference proceedings. '•"'....." ~-": .