BULLER COUNCIL, FEDERATION OF LABOR.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 43, 5 January 1912, Page 13

BULLER COUNCIL, FEDERATION OF LABOR.

A meeting of the Buller Council of the Federation of Labor was held on December 16 (says a Wcstport exchange). Present: Messrs. Alexander (chair), McLean, Stockton; Williams, Curtis and Newman, Millerton.; Scott, Oiiimniond and Callaghan, Denniston; Kayen, Smith and Dunn, Watersidcrs ; .Stephenson, Maloney and Salter, General. Laborers; Power and Cook, Denniston Engincdrivers; J. Gumming, Seddonville.

Mr. Alexander was appointed chairman and Mr. Callaghan secretary.

Deniiiston Drivers' Union explained their position in regard to the Fedoraton of Labor, and it was resolved to admit them to the Council as a registered union.

Resolutions were carried as follows

That tho Council is of opinion that workers connected with any industry should become members of th& union representing that industry

That the question of election of permanent officers of the Council should be left over for consideration at the annual meeting of the Council.

That unions affiliated with the Council bo asked to assist in procuring the services of Mr. E. R. Hartley, Socialist lecturer, to tour the district delivering lectures, the unions to take up oo'llcctious and defray experses pro rata.

That the matter of drawing up agreements between the Denniston, Millerlon and Stockton Unions and the companies concerned be left to the respective unions, such draft of agreements to be subsequently submitted to ihe Council for approval.

That the secretary of this Council write the secretary of the Federation asking for copies of balance-sheet to circulate amongst the unions of the district.

That seeing the support accorded the business people in Westport by members of tho unions, such business people as do not at present advertise in "The Maoriland Worker" be requested to do so, and if they decline their names be brought before next meeting of the Council.

That Mr. Alexander be appointed chairman of the Council until Mr. Dowgray returns, and Mr. Callaghan secretary for the remainder of the term.

A motion that letters be forwarded lo Messrs. Hmdmarah, Payno and Veitch, asking them to support all Labor matters brought forward by the Reform Party, was lost by 14 to 2, on the ground that the Federation, as a Federation, has no connection with the so-called Labor Party.

That the Council's thanks be accorded to Mr. C. Hall for his efficient services as secretary.

The President of the General Laborers' Union at Weslport (Mr. Stephonson) explained that the Harbour Board refused preference to unionists on the ground that the granting of same would create a monopoly.—After some difxiussion, it was resolved that the General Laborers' Union be urged to withdraw from the jurisdiction of the Conciliation and Arbitration Court, with a view to strengthening their position in their efforts to secure a satisfactory agreement with the Harbor Board and other employers of labor, and that, this Council pledges its support to the Union, morally and financially, and if necessary, will have work stopped at the mines, wharves., etc., to secure such demands as it cunbiders just to the workers.