KNIGHTS OF LABOUR. Auckland, June 11.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 377, 15 June 1889, Page 6

KNIGHTS OF LABOUR. Auckland, June 11.

The adjourned meeting of those interested in the formation of a local branch of the Knights of Labour was held last night. There was a large attendance, over seventy being present. Mr C. S. Wright occupied the "chair. At his request Mr Farnall road the rules and by-laws of the Ohristchurch KnighU of Labour, which, utter careful consideration, he thought exactly met their wants. In reply to Mr White, the Chairman .said that the Knighfey of Labour were intended to assist, not to supersede trade unions. It would have a political significance. The principal purpose is to obtain, if possible, a fair sharo of the profits of labour for working men, and to do away with strikes as far us possible. Mr Farnall said that the Knights would have more political power and work more in politics than trade unions do. The Chairman then read out the principal points of tho rules and regulations of the Knights of Labour in the United Statos. MrH. W. Farnall was elected secietary, and Mr Fr'onch treasurer pro tern: ' 1 In reply to a question, the Chairman paid that the union ot the Society, when formed, with other societies would be a matter for tho Committee. He thought himself that when the Society was formed, instant .stops should bo taken to join with the Chrintchuich Knights of Labour, and gradually form an organisation that would spread throughout New Zealand. The&e opinions weio greeted with applause. , , Preparatory to forming the Society, all thoso in favour of joining gave in their names and paid their entrance fee of Is, Three of those piesont were busily engaged for somo time in enrolling members?, and when all present who intended joining had handed in their names tho roll numbered 43. j It was announced that Mr Thomas, 1 grocer, Ponsonby Road, and Mr French, grocer, Karangahape Road, would receive the names ot members and their subscriptions at their shops during the week. There was some discussion as to the adopting of the rules. Some v> ere in favour of adopting the rules of the Chribtchurch organisation in toto, others wanted the Committee and officers elected, who would levise tho rules. Mr French spoke on the matter, and pointed out the absurdity 0t43 members electing ti third of their number as officers. He thought they should defer tho election until their members numbered 200. They should canvass all the suburbs, and work their hardest to scatter their principles and obtain members. It was suggested that they should have a commifcteb pro tehi. ' Tinallv " it 'was decided to proceed with tho election' of officers and committee, who are to itold office for' six months. "■ ' The election of officers resulted as follows :— President, Mr C. S. Wright ; VicoPresidents, -Messrs S. White, G. W.'Limburne ; Treasurer, M r French ; Secretary Mr H. W. Farnall ; Committee," Messrs Neylon, Cowley, Hooper, Dean, McKinney, E. J. Thomas, Wilcox, Nodder, G. Smith, Froude, Vester, H. JRoper. It was decided that these should draft tho rules to be submitted to the next meeting of the Society to be held in a fortnight. A draft copy of the rules will be printed for distribution among the members for consideration. A resolution was passed by which an account on behalf of the Society is to be opened at the Auckland Savings Bank, and providing how it was to be operated on. '