CHRISTCHURCH.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 397, 6 August 1877, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH.

MEETING OF THE UNEMPLOYED, August 5.

At an open air meeting of the unemployed, held yesterday afternoon—about 250 pi'esent—it was resolved to memorialise the Government, pointing out that the labour market in New Zealand was overstocked, and requesting them to withdraw from all contracts entered into for the introduction of more immigrants. A deputation was also appointed to wait on the Mayor to ascertain if the City Council can offer any employment for men out of work. The proceedings throughout were very orderty. One speaker suggested that the meeting should adjourn until the arrival of Mr. John

M'Laren, the reputed delegate from tho Dunedin working men, but those present were evidently opposed to having anything whatever to do with M'Laren, and declined to adjourn. August 6. The railway receipts for June amounted to only L 2259, being L 7200 less than foi April. Mr. James Smith, for many years chiel clerk in Cobb and Co.'s office, was founc drowned in the river this morning. It i supposed that he committed suicide. At a meeting of the Operative Bootmakers Union, it was announced that the handi employed at Toomar's large factory hat signified their intention of joining, bul rinding that Messrs. Toomers and Soi disapproved of it, they withdrew. Tlu action was warmly criticised and con demned by the meeting. A pro posal was made to break ■up tin Union, but it was negatived by 22 to G, It was resolved to take measures to in duce bootmakers from elsewhere not ti come to Christchurch for work.