THE SWEATING SYSTEM. MEETING AT DUNEDIN.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 376, 12 June 1889, Page 5

THE SWEATING SYSTEM. MEETING AT DUNEDIN.

Dunedin, May 8. A large and enthusiastic meeting was held this evening, to consider the sweating system. The report of the committee appointed at a meeting some time back was re*ad. and stated that after lengthy nogotiation the warehousemen declined the propobals submitted to them, which weie that a minimum scale be adopted under which workers could earn fair wages ; and shat in giving out work to contractors, warehousemen and merchants should obtain a guurantee that the contractor should pay the workers not less than tariff rates, and anyone violating this, work should be withdrawn until reparation was made. The following resolutions were carried :— (1) "That the Government be requested to appoint a commission to inquire into the sweating system in this and other town*! of the colony, and report as to the best method of dealing with the whole subject." (2) "That efforts be made to form a union of tailoresses, shirt machinists, finishers and piessers, such union to be called the 'Tailoresses' Union of JS'ew Zealand.' " The following were appointed a Committee to give effect to the foregoing resolutions : — Sir R. Stout, Hons. W. H. Reynolds, Fitchett, Stewart and Allen, M.H.R.'s ; the Presidents of the Societies' Reform Association, Tailors' Union, Trades and Labour Council, Carpenters' Association, Boot Manufacturers', Maitland and Wishart. In connection with the sweating system it may be stated that the warehousemen gave as a reason for not agreeing with a minimum tariff that it was no use adopting it in DuneoHn unless it was also adopted in other parts of the colonies, as work would go there. Toe Rev. Mr Waddell, in moving the report, threw the blame entirely on the warehousemen for the existence of sweating. It was in their power to stop it, but they declined to do so, and were chargeable with sharing indirect^ in the profits promised bv the system. Sir R. Stoufc, in proposing the first resolution, dwelt on the importance of lecognisintj the rights of people as well as property, and of the need of a Union among workers. Dr. Fitchett, M.H.R., seconded the motion. Mr J. M. Fraser proposed the adoption of the boy. cott, but in deference to the opinion of Mr Waddell, withdrew the motion, amidst great cheering and excitement. Mr George Fen wick announced and denounced the firm who was the cause of the existence of the sweating system in Dunedin. A number of other speeches were made.