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The daily News SATURDAY, JANUARY 13. A TRADESMEN'S CONFERENCE

In these days of unions and federations it is absolutely essential that 1! common interests should unite for mutual welfare and protection. The success that has been achieved by ; the Workers' Unions—of whom it might be said in the words of Count Witte, when referring to tho Russian Revolutionists, " their singlemindness was exemplary, their tactics were ingenious, and their energy was marvellous," and rightly so—lias led the way, and brought forcibly before all inteiests thi>t organisation must be met with organisation. Thus we have witnessed the formation of Employers' Unions as a set-off to the Workors' Industrial Unions; and of tho Farmers' Unions to safeguard the interests of the primary producers. Last, but by no means least, we have seen the tradespeaple combining to protect themselves. Taranaki, probably, of all the provinces in New Zealand, has led the way in this respect, for there is scarcely a town or village in the whole length and breadth of the province that does not possess a Retailers' or Tradesmen's Association. * ■* » # Is a measure the Eltham Trad« men's Association has been responsible for the great success that has attended the movement within the past two years, during which period the greater number of the associations has come into being. The association mentioned, eschewing the usages of custom and tradition, marked out for itself a radical and progressive programme, and to the proved success of that programme may he ascribed the spread of the movement in Taranaki, at least. That a Tradesmen's Association may not merely be the medium of furthering the interests of its members alone, but may further become nn institu- . tion for the advancement of public ' interest generally, is now being exempliiied in many towns, where these associations are practically fulfilling the aims and aspirations of Chambers , of Commerce, The weight of the ' united voice of Tradesmen's Unions was, if not realised previously, demonstrated within comparatively recent date in connection with the Shops and Olh'ces Act. * * * # Much is heard now-.vd.-iys of the cry ' of " dear living," but perhaps few ■ realise that the formation of Tradesmen's Associations will prove an important factor in reducing, to some i extent, in the aggregate, the cost of living, For instance, from time immemorial it has been the universal - custom to exploit for subscriptions ' for any and every object, the individual who was, for the time being, unfortunate enough to have a signboard over his dcorway. The custom had so grown that caavassers began to believe that they were only doing • their duty by the object, the benefit of which they had in view, in demanding fiom shopkeepers any amount that appeared to them commensurate with the apparent or reputed prosperity of the victim. Nor did the evil end there. Did any tradesman have the audacity to repel the entreaties or threats of the subscription " cadger," ho was usually physiced with a modified threat of blackmail—perhaps a little hint wis ually dropped that certain business connections would be transferred to his competitors. Usually by some such means, or the fear of them, the oracle was worked. * # * * Dm it never strike yout that a business man, unless he were utterly to belie the name of his calling, would not charge thesei items against his profit and loss account ? It requires no wizard in perspicuity to tell us that those items of - expenditure were charged to the cost of our goods, and that we and all of us had eventually to repay those subscriptions in added cost of living. One of the first rules adopted by the Eltham Association was a drastic one that absolutely prohibited its member's fram responding, by means of open subscription, to any solicitation or demand for funds, with the exception of members' respective churches. The selling of tickets, however, for any local function is permitted. The Kaponga Association goes even one bettor, and prohibits the canvassing of members for tickets. Stratford ami Hawera also hare similar rales, modified to meet local conditions. # * # 41 An even greater contributing factor in increasing the cost of living is the "bad-mark " evil, There is, unfortunately, 11 class of individuals to ' whom the grocer, the baker, and the butcher, appeals as a victim for plucking. Running " scores " at shop after shop until absolutely at tho er.d of their tethers, these porigri native gentry usually find it convenient to move to more congenial climes, to again take up their role of victimising. It surely needs no specific argument to make ordinary people understand that someone has to pay the debts of tho class above referred to, and althougb the business-people too often have to bear the brunt, a goodly proportion is paid by those who pay their way. * * * * Much more might be written on this subject, the merest fringe of which we>have touched in this article, but enough, we believe, has been said to show that the public themselves are in some measure responsible for the high cost of living, and that remedies for the condition of affairs above alluded to may be found in united action on the part of the trades and business-men. With this latter object in view a conference of delegates from all Tradesmen's Associations in the province is to lie held at Eltham on Thursday next. We understand- that every township in Taranaki will be represented at the conference, at which all matter pertaining to the advancement of the retailers' interests will be discussed, j Primarily, the object of the confer- ■, ence is to bring about, as far as pos- 1 sible, uniformity of the rules govern 1 ing the working of the individual I associations. A subject that will no 1 doubt be heartily discussed is that ' relating to " had marks." In all ' probability it will be suggested that • each association should keep a . " black book," and that the migra- , tions of these individuals should be | noted for mutual benefit—in short 1 that tiu Intelligence Department I should be established in connection 1 with the federated associations. We 1 need hardly say that the movement ' has our entire sympathy, believing n,s ' we do that the co-operation of the " whole of the business-men of Tara- ' naki in this respect will mean increased security for them, and reduced cost of the necessaries of life to the general public. We commend the wisdom of the conference to the members of the New Plymouth Association, and trust that at their meeting on Monday they will not , only decide to accord their hearty support to the conference, but that they will evince their business acu- 1 men by sending forward remits for > discussion. i j

On the fourth page to-day are : " A story of a Detective " (a short story), interesting short articles, mail notices for tho week and Church services. It is possible that the Right Hon.R. J. Seddon will attend the Hawera Band Contest. Bewley & Griffiths will auction this day at 2- o'clock, plums, poaches, bananas, etc., at jam-making prices. The Ballancc Dairy Company's consignment of butter by the Kumara rcaliscd li)s per cwt. The manager of a leading Dannevirko business house was lined t'i for holding a lottery to promote cash sales The Magistrate held (hat this class of business was illegal. Though the police have energetically scoured the country between Ngaire ami Midhirst, I hey have so far failed to get any further trace of the wauled man McEwen, who eluded capture near Midhirst ou Wednesday. The preliminary work for the foundation of the Stratford hospital is now well in hand, but further work is meanwhile delayed by the non-arrival of cement, which, however, is expected in a day or so, The riile shooting match between the Guards junior (A) and the Tnranaki Rifles, fired on Thursday afternoon, resulted in a comparatively easy win for the Guards team by 93 points, the scores being 527 and 431 respectively. At the trial in London of T. C Kerry, on a charge of alleged stealing of books, the property of the Seamen's Mission, the Judge interposed, saying there \ra« iio case for a jury against Kerry, whose witnesses were not called. The paths through the New Ply. mwitli R .'creation Grounds are at presents boing dressed up, all dead foliage from the trees being gathered together and burned. The Garrison Band is having tho grass mowed off a strip in the ground, where nightly practices of the marching for the Hawera Band Contest are held, Given fine weather on Sunday after- , noon there should be a large gathering , of people at the New Plymouth Western Park, where the Tarauaki Garrison Band is to render a programme of \ music. A collection is to be taken up to help defray expenses of the band at the forthcoming Hawera Contest, and we need not rcirind intending mem'iers Unit a liberal response will not be amiss. From reliable sources wo learn that . the proposed Egmont Farmers' Asso. ' ciatiou, Limited, which in many ijiiarlers was expected " to end in smoke," ' is being seriously taken up by the f.irmers in South Tarauaki. Another general meeting is to be held to-night 1 at Hawera, at which it is expected a deputation from the auctioneers will make certain overtures. It is believed that proposals regarding a reduction in tho rate of commission will be proposed. The exceptionally fine weather of the past week throughout Taranaki has been most welcome to the farming comnmni- ', ty, whoso hay-making operations have been prosecuted with great vigor. | Should the present conditions be ntain- ' lained for another week the hay will 5 practically all have been gathered, and ■ rain will once more be wanted to fresh- , en up the pastures. Already the milk - yield is perceptibly lessening, but uni less the drought of last year is again i experienced, the volume is likely to be r maintained much longer than hitherto. t " The law of mental healing," or ■ " The power of the mind in the cause ' and cure of disease," is the title of the - lecture to lie delivered on Monday . evening next, at 8 o'clock, in the White- . ley Hall. This subject should prove .. of great interest and attract a large I audience, more especially as it is to lie given in aid of the Hospital funds. Mr , J. Goodman, medical specialist, will he , the speaker. A young man named Vivian Mel lor, i of Manain-roatl, Kapouga, met with a > very distressing accident during the > week. He was working in a paddock j with a team of horses and a mowing machine, when by some means or other he accidentally got in front of tho knife and was severely lacerated about the t ltgs. This necessitated a large number - of stitches being put in, but we are i pleased to learn that he is progressing > favorably. Fruit is pouring into the market from ■ orchards in the Auckland district, and f now is the time for householders to I obtain their supplies for jam and f preserves. Yesterday Mr Newton King sold by auction over 300 boxes assorted fruit, at prices ranging from ' 2s to os, and another large shipment having come to hand, he will hold \ another sale this afternoon, parti. ' eulars of which are advertised in ' another column. i The services in Queen Street Church s to-morrow will be conducted by the , pastor, the R«v. John Nixon ; morning i at 11, evening at 7. Mr Upton will be . at Fitzroy at 7 p.m.—Advt. Any man, whether young, middle aged, i or elderly, who thinks of entering the L marriage state, may need reminding about t'io"Eing!' "I'isn't likely tho Jady will forget Here on our counters and in our safes, are showing tho choicest designs iu engagement an 1 wedding rings. Tho prices are so low and reasonable at J. H. ■ I'arkbh's, tho Jeweller and Optician, next railway crossing, in Devon street. Men who shave themselves should be in- , formed of the excellence and smooth-cut-ting qualities oi the "Kiwi'' razors. Have an even temper, extraordinary kcemioss of edge, do not vibrato when catling into an extraordinary luiayy beard, and give you a clean, luxurious shave, even if you have Hie touchiest skin. Make mo prove these statements. 1 will change your razor as often as you like until you are satisfied. KIWI is the name. Get it at J. Avery's, the place for men's sundry needs, Devon street,—Auvt. MElll'l' KEWA KIYEI) UY COUKT 0 JUSTICE. The acknowledged good qualities and success of Sanueh and Sons' Eucalypti Extract have brought out many imitations, and one case was just tried in the Supreme Court of Viotoria, before bis Honor Chief Justice Sir J. Madden, K.C.M.G., etc. His honor, in giving judgment, said that whenever an article is commended t the public, by reason of its good quality, etc., it is not permissive to imitate any of its features. Restraining the imitators perpetually from do : ng "so, he ordered them to pay all costs. We publish this to afford tho people an opportunity of protecting themselves, and of securing what is proved beyond all doubt by skilled witnesses at the Supreme Court of Victoria, and by many authorities during the last HI years to be preparation of genuine merit, viz.:— Tun (Suxn.NK S.ixuiiu & Sons' PlTllH YuUTII.K F.ITAI.YI'TI ExTHAfT.

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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TDN19060113.2.4

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8027, 13 January 1906, Page 2

Word count
Tapeke kupu
2,205

The daily News SATURDAY, JANUARY 13. A TRADESMEN'S CONFERENCE Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8027, 13 January 1906, Page 2

The daily News SATURDAY, JANUARY 13. A TRADESMEN'S CONFERENCE Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8027, 13 January 1906, Page 2

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