MINERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 439, 22 January 1890, Page 5

MINERS’ ASSOCIATION.

MEETING AT THE THAMES., . Thames, Jan. 20. Seldom in the history of the Thames has such an enthusiastic meeting been held here as that which took place in St. George’s Hall on Saturday evening to consider the proposal to form a branch of the Amalgamated Miners’ Asso ciation of Australasia. The hall was densely crowded, at least six hundred persons being present, while many were unable to gain admission. Mr Jaa. McGowan was voted to the chair in the absence of the Mayor. He explained the object for which the meeting had been convened, and expressed his sympathy with the proposal, but impressed on those present the wisdom of appointing the right kind of men as responsible officers. The meeting was addressed by several leading miners, who explained that in response to let’ers that had recently been sent to Mr Creswick, a reply had been received expressing pleasure that the Thames miners were about to form a Union, and promising them every assistance. In ccurse of the addresses it was mentioned thatthe supportof the Amalgamated Miners’ Association of Australasia with which the Thames Union would become affiliated had also been obtained, so that the movement here would commence under the most favourable auspices and at once be put on a sound financial basis. The advantages of union and the benefits to be derived therefrom by the workmen combining together were pointed out, and it was proposed that in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that a branch of Amalgamated Miners’ Association of Australasia should be formed. The proposition was carried amidst cheers. About five hundred members have already been enrolled.