Trades and Labour Congress.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 4992, 12 January 1885, Page 2

Trades and Labour Congress.

[Pee Pbess Association.J Dunedin, Saturday.

At the Trades and Labour Congress today, the following resolutions carried were amongst (he most important business done:—"That in the opinion of this Congress it is desirable that a clause be introduced into the Shipping and Seamen s' Act, 1877, prohibiting seamen from working cargo in coastal steamers exceeding 2CD tons in any port save open roadsteads, where no other labour is obtainable." "That this Congress respectfully asks the Government to take into consideration, at their earliest opportunity, the question of providing for the teaching ot technical education in all possible and convenient places in the colony." "That a number of vice-presidents be stationed in each centre of population represented." "TbatthisCoDgress will j»ive every supporL to the early closing movement, and hopes to see associations started with the view of shortening the hours of labour of shop keepers' assistants in all townrjrepresented at this Congress."

In connection with the Congress, a grand procession of Trade Societies and employes was held last evening. It comprised altogether about 600 people, and was headed by three bands. A public meeting was then held in the Garrison Hall, and was attended at first by 600 people, but only about half that number remained till the close. The Mayor of Dunedin (Mr Scoullar) was in the chair, and the speakers were Mes?ra Howland and Barnes (of Christchuroh), Thorn and Wells (of Dunedin), Kimber and Harvey (of Timaru, and Tobin and Farnall, of Auckland. The resolutions adopted recommended the formation of Working Men's Associations, the imposition of protect ire duties, tl)£ abolition of plural votiqg, t'ae legislation of the Eight Hours' syatera. and the imposition of a land tax.