EMPLOYERS' ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1915, Page 3

EMPLOYERS' ASSOCIATION.

WORK OF THE PAST YEAR.' The annual meeting of the New Plymouth Employers' Association was called for last night, but as there' was no quorom the meeting was adjourned for a fortnight. The report on the work for the past year states:— The executive's report stated: Your executive beg to report that the past year has been quiet so far as affairs connected with the association are concerned. The outbreak of the war in August, Iff 14, threw trade and labor agitation somewhat in the shade, and labor legislation has been in abeyance during the past year. The advent of the National Ministry, however, seems to have stimulated private members to bring forward labor Bills, several of which have made their appearance lately. The Employers' Federation has called a conference of the several associations affiliated with it for the 15th inst. at Wellington to consider the position and see if they cannot make some recommendation to the Government on the matter. A Factory Act Bill, a Bill to provide for a secret ballot of workers with regard to a full holiday on .Saturday, a Shop and Offices Amendment Bill of a somewhat drastic character are amongst the legislation proposed to be brought forward. In our,particular district we made an attempt in the latter part of 1914 to form affiliated associations in Stratford, Eltham, and Hawera. We visited these centres on several occasions, and met employers and tradespeople interested in the matter, and started associations, but up to the present have heard nothing further from them. We trust that they are progressing favorably. During the year Mr. Hal Goodacre was appointed to represent tho Employers' Association on the advisory committee of the Technical College. The association also supported tlie Chamber ber of Commerce in the appointment of a, sub-inspector of police for the province, and who has since been appointed. The nightwatchman under the appointment and working of the association has continued to give satisfaction, the matter being on a much better footing than hitherto; there are, however, several leading tradesmen who do not yet contribute to his servicos, and we would much wish that they would join us; it seems hardly fair that a few should subscribe lo I'll is when so many derive tlie benefit. The question of Saturday halfholiday ca'mo to the fore during the year, but nothing came of it; the association itself was somewhat divided in the matter, although we supported by resolution a universal half-holiday. ' We regret that the subscriptions for the year have not come in at all satisfactory; we feel assured that the many calls made during the period in the way of war contributions has occasioned the ommission; slil we would commend the subject to tlie earnest consideration of the members, and hope for a speedy reduction of the indebtedness. Our esteemed secretary (Mr. T. L. Buxton) has joined the Expeditionary Forces, and left New Plymouth a short time since; we have given him leave of absence durino* the war, and Mr. W. M. Falconer has taken his place.