TIMARU WORKING MAN’S LEAGUE AND POLITICAL UNION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2587, 6 July 1881, Page 2

TIMARU WORKING MAN’S LEAGUE AND POLITICAL UNION.

A general meeting of the above was held at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Barnard street.

Members only were admitted, of whom there was a capital attendance. Mr Harvey was voted to the chair. The election of permanent officers of the League and Union was first proceeded with, and resulted as follows : President : Mr Fred. Stone (who then took the chair vacated by Mr Harvey) ; Vice-Presidents : Messrs Harvey and Cowley ; Secretary : Mr H. E. Boardman ; Assistant-Secretary : Mr McPherson ; four Trustees : Messrs Dillon, Parsons, Hallara, and Partridge ; Treasurer : Mr Anthony Mills ; Governing Committee : Messrs Binskin, Taylor, Wade, Clayton, T. Bowkett, Savage, Shea, E. Sullivan, Gurney, J. Shirley, Green, Clark, Forbes, Hullen, Smithson, Kay, Santon, D, Evans, W. Budd, J. Barrie, T. Sullivan ; Two Auditors : Messrs Pearson and J. Gason.

All the officers, or most of them, returned a few words of thanks to the meeting for their election. Mr Boardman remarked that as they had elected him he had to thank them, if he had not been elected it would have been otherwise, for he had himself initiated the movement in Timaru. If they had seen the South Canterbury 'Times of that evening they would have probably read an advertisement calling for tenders for the printing of the Electoral Roll. If it had not been for the League they would not have been calling for these tenders, and this much the League had any rate already accomplished. He had been at considerable pains to bring this about, and had waited day after day on the Clerk of the Resident Magistrate’s Court to obtain information relative to the number on the roll. Finally he had obtained and read a copy of the registration of Electors Act, 1879, and had at length succeeded in getting at the desired information. In conclusion ho could only assure them that he would work to the very best of his ability in the interests of the League, and would allow nothing to interfere with the accomplishment of the objects it aimed at. (Hear, hear). The Secretary read a copy of the following letter which he had addressed in accordance with instructions received, to the Minister for Immigration for Queensland. “ Timaru, July 4,1881. “ Sib, —I am instructed by the Committee of the Timaru Working Men’s League and Political Union to place myself in communication with you for the purpose of obtaining all information respecting emigration from New Zealand to Queensland. “ While regretting the great depression that exists at present in New Zeaand we cannot overlook the fact that it must of necessity be some years before New Zealand can support its present population. We therefore, at the request of a number of mechanics, settlers, &c., respectfully ask for infer* matiou on the subject of emigration. “ We wish to know what class of emigrants you require, what number, and what terms the Government of Queensland would bo prepared to give to hona fide men and their families, men who have New Zealand experience of some little standing. “ Our Committee view with great regret (although the subject has been well agitated) the fact that the Government of New Zealand do not show themselves willing to open up blocks of land for settlement suitable for small fanners, or in any way to encourage the energetic men to stop in the colony. I am, therefore, instructed by the Committee to ask you if, in the event of a sufficient number being willing to proceed from New Zealand to Queensland, whether the Government of the latter colony would be willing to establish a new colony, or place the men and their families in a way of making a home for themselves. We are fully aware of the opposition wc shall meet with on all sides to the proposition we have made, hut we are also aware that stopping in this country will only result in spending our best days without any probability of having any home or support in our old age. “ We therefore respectfully ask you to bring this matter forward, and give us all the information you can.” The reading of the letter was received with applause. Mr Pearson then read the following

motions tabled at a former meeting : “ That the name of this Association be altered from the Timarn Labor League and Political Union to the New Zealand Labor League and Political Union No. 1.”

The mover said that he thought that the Society should not confine its operations to Timaru. If possible a branch should be established in every town in New Zealand, and make this the head office. Mr Clark seconded the motion.

Mr Mills opposed the proposal. Ho thought it too ambitious. They should remember the story of the frog that tried to swell itself to the size of an ox, and carne to grief in the operation. (Laughter). He would move that the name of the League remain as it was. Mr Savage seconded the amendment. Mr Harvey would suggest as a rider that the name be “ The New Zealand Reform League.” Seconded by Mr Hunt. Mr Mills would remind the meeting that this movement had been primiarily set on foot for the benefit of the unemployed, and not for political purposes What they wanted was work and not politics. (Hear, hear). They certainly should not alter the existing name. If they lost the name of Labor League good-bye to the success of the whole scheme, (Applause). It was unanimously resolved that the name of the Association should remain as it was.

Mr Pearson said he had some other resolutions to purpose, but since they had resolved not to open any branches elsewhere he had no more to say. The Chairman and Secretary pointed out to Mr Pearson that he was altogether mistaken, Mr Pearson then moved—“ That all branches of the League contribute to the head office ten per cent of their gross revenue, and furnish to the Secietary all information affecting the objects of the League.” Several members objected to ten per cent as excessive.

It was resolved to leave the matter to be dealt with by the Governing Committee, and also all other general business. The usual vote of thanks brought the proceedings to a close.