KARANGAHAKE AND THE FEDERATION.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 35, 3 November 1911, Page 12

KARANGAHAKE AND THE FEDERATION.

Co-operative System.

At the quarterly meeting of the KaraBgahake branch of the Thames Miners' XJnion, the delegates—Messrs. Lloyd and Marrinan —'reported that the executive had met since the ballot was taken re joining the Federation of Labour, when a rule was discussed regarding striking a levy to pay the Federation fees, amounting.to the first year's contributions to that body. It was contended by some of the members of the executive that although a levy might be struck, according to the rule, enforcement of payment could not be made. Legal advice had been procured on the matter, and the executive Avere advised to take another ballot on the question of striking the levy. Questioned on -tlie matter, Mr. Lloyd admitted that the Thames officials were fighting the question of (joining the Federation. . Various questions were brought up _n connection Avith the co-operative system lately introduced in the mines, and a deal of discussion followed. in each case. It was eventually decided to call a meeting at some future date with the object of agreeing on a minimum wage such as had been done in Waihi. The rumour in circulation that the Union had yielded to the influence of & number of men in deciding on introducing the co-operative system was repudiated, and a motion was carried to the effect: "That this meeting of the Miners' Union denies the ■ imputation that they Avere influenced by anyone in 'deciding' on Avorking contracts on the co-operative plan, and considers that the members are quite capable of deciding for themselves in matters effecting the interest of themselves."