West Coast Co-operators.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 31, 6 October 1911, Page 16

West Coast Co-operators.

By J. CLOVER.

{Secretary N.Z. Federation of Labor.) ."''Here are a few and true points re the West Coast Co-op. Tailoring and Clothing Society. For some years the workers in the tailoring trade, especially females, have been working under extremely unsatisfactory conditions, and it Avas not until some feAV of the Avorkers bestirred themselves and procured an award that their conditions Aye re improved. In the busy season they Avere working overtime Avithout extra pay, and pay for holidays Avas deducted from the AA'eekly wage-earnings. After the award Avas brought into force, and the officials of the Union compelled the employers to carry out the provisions therein contained, the one avlio had been, in the forefront Avas dismissed from his employment, ostensibly through lack of trade, but to all Intents and purposes it appeared to be n.n attempt to break the back of the union. The Union had by this time become affiliated with the N.Z.F.L., and the facts of the case were put before its officers. After several abortive conferences with the employers re the reinstatement of the person dismissed, the matter of starting a co-opcratiA r e society Avas discussed. It was decided 'to place the proposal before the various co-operative societies and trades unions if the district, by whom it was taken up in a very enthusiastic >nan.ncr, the required capital being speedily forthcoming. A reliable and energetic cutter-man-Ogcr Avas engaged, and a start Avas made in central premises in Greyimouth. The premises are commodious, well ventilated; in fact, they are said by the Inspector of Factories to be by far the best workrooms in the trade in the district. The trade is increasing by leaps and bounds, and there are at the present time seven male and six female workers employed. Perhaps it will be as well to explain that this is the first co-operative society in. the district, if not in the Dominion, which is run on strictly cash payments and without payment of dividends. The motto of the Society is: "Tho best article and best AA'orkjmnnship at cost price." It only remains for the Avorkers of the West Coast to be loyal to their own society. There is no doubt but what the 'merchant tailors are going to place every possible obstacle in the way of its progress. We have already been informed by some, with whom Aye wished to do business that they could not deal with an illegitimate concern competing against legitimate firms. Whatever may be the opinion of Porno people about co-operation, it is feared by the commercial classes, and if the Avorkers oan anly be educated sufficiently to be loyal to their oavii stores, not because of the quarterly dividend, bub because they will ensure the purest article at cost price, nnd no sweated labor, it will be a step towards bringing about the Cooperative Commonwealth, for Avhich Aye g*re all fighting and working.