Tradesmen's Association.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 232, 5 October 1904, Page 2

Tradesmen's Association.

Tlie usual meeting of tho New Plymouth Tradesmen's Association was held in the Town Tlall last evening, lifteen members faring present. Mr Hal Koodacro (president) occupied tho chair. —Federation Actions.— The Federation Secretary forwarded his second report (dated August 12th) of the I'arliamentury w o rk done this session. Tlie report was received. —Half-Holiday.— Mr Docikrill, referring t 0 the proposal to institute a universal Saturday lialf-holiday, pointed out that a deputation of shop assistants had asked tho Premier to lake a referendum of the four centres only, leaving the rest of tlie colony to apply the system ol loc a l option. This was exactly what the .association wanted. —Rules.— The amended rules submitted by the committee were adopted, with alterations. The chairman stated that they were in touch with those of similar organisations elsewhere. it was decided to register tho rules under the "Unclassified Societies Act." Tho question of joining tlie Federation was then discussed, it being decided to do so. —Buildere' Association.— Mr Pikett brought up the question of the Builders' Association joining the Tradesmen's Association as a body by the payment of an annual subscription. He said the members of the former had to pay their own contributions, but they had community of interest in regard to labour matters.

The Cbairm a n said the rules did not allow i>f any collective subscription.

Mr Pukett, replying, aaid that the Buildors' Association would abide by any ruling imposed-, say, if they were allowed four delegates to the woe ting's.

Mr Baker thought the executive >hould deal with the matter.

Mr Arnold thought the builders reaped as much benefit as the tuadcr.':, and should join as ordinary members.

Mr PUcett said the case was different, as tho builders would have a double subscription to pay. The proposal to federate with the central organisation had placed a different complexion on the matter. The Chairman thought,the best Way was for all traders toi Combine. The builders were the strongest organisation in the town, und surely they had not realized that if all the trade*) did likewise, tho central body would not havo any funds to carry on their blusiiicjssi. —Monopolies Bill.—

Owing to the lateness of thohour discussion on tho Monopolies Bill was deferred, tho executive being instructed to deal with it, and bring up a report to a future meeting. —Railway Matters.—

The Chairman said the president of the Chamber of Commerce and himself had written to the department as regards tlic railway time-table and probably they would arrange a deputation on the subject. Mr Baker, complained of the "ruinous" railway charges between tho town and the breakwater. Ho moved that the committee bring the matter before the Hailway Department.

Mr Green, said that a case of plants sent to Invercargill recently cost is 'Jd to the breakwater ami os 9d to Lhe southern port, including transhipment fee. Mr Amhury : Co-oj>ci°ation is the thing. The Chairman: Yes; this committee should co-operate with tho committee of tho Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Baker s a id that he lately had two parcels sent from Auckland, one via Waitara and the other by the ordinary way, and the former cost 2 J per cent, less than the other. Tho Chairman thought tho time had c o mo for a concession.

'lhe motion was carried. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting;.