WORKMEN'S HOMES FOR MASTERTON.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8440, 11 May 1907, Page 5

WORKMEN'S HOMES FOR MASTERTON.

MEETING AT THE FORESTERS' HALL. A meeting was held in the Forestera' Hall, last evening, in connection with the establishment of workmen's homes in Masterton. There were about 30 present. In the absence of the Mayor the chair was occupied by Mr T. H. Smith. The chairman, in his preliminary remarks, said he was a strong supporter of the workmen's homes movement. On the occasion of the last visit to Masterton of the late Mr Seddonjie headed a deputation to the late Premier in connection with the establishment of workmen's j homes in Masterton, and had received a favourable *reply from him in connection therewith. The establishing of workmen's homes in Masterton was a matter that deserved the attention of all workers. Mr J. Mackay said he disappointed that several who had promised to attend th<E> meeting and explain the Act had failed to put in an appearance. He had always been an advocate of workmen's, homes for Masterton. He thought those present could take the initiative in connection with the matter. They could suggest amendments to the Act to suit local requirements. One of the principal platforms of the Liberal Government was closer settlement, and the workers should look after their own interests by ttVAv/g auV'Sfftage of the platform of the Government with regard to workmen's homes. He thought by the formation of a committee or something similar that the matter could be pushed to a successful head. A statement had been published in one of the local newspapers inferring that the signatures on the petition for presentation to the Government wetfc not all genuine. He would swear before a Magistrate that all the signatures •on the pet'Jti'oif '«>&* thone of people who were lanfllcw and tenants. Mr J. C. Ewing ton.said he thought" those present should get to business and form a closer settlement league or something of the kind as Mr MacJcayhad suggested. He was not conversant with the Act but was willing to assist in the movement. He moved that those present form themselves into a league ."or the purpose of establishing workmen's homes, etc., in Masterton. They were starting in a small way, but there was no reason why the movement should not have a big ending.' An association similar to the one proposed to be established here had been formed in Blenheim, and had done good work in connection with the cutting up of large estates. This body was called the Land and Railway. League. Mr J. Yarr seconded the motion. He said he was sorry to see such a small attendance. He was afraid that the motion would be a dead letter if more interest was not taken in the matter by the workmen of Masterton. He was certainly in favour of establishing workmen's homes in Masterton, and wouid assist as much i as possible in connection with the movement. It would be no use to j agitate for homes if more interest was not taken in the matter by those who were directly concerned. Rents were high in Masterton and yet the majortity ot the workmen did r.ot seem anxious to take advantage-of the Act. He thought that Mr Mackay deserved a hearty vote of thanks for the work he had done and the p.iblic spirit he had shown in the matter. The only reason he could see for workmen not taking more interest in the movement was that times were good at present in the district. The motion was carried unanimously. The chairman suggested the formation of a committee to approach the Government on the matter. Mr W. Gillespie proposed that a committee be appointed with Mr J.. Yarr as chairman. He, himself, was prepared to carry out the duties of secretary for the committee. Mr Gillespie's proposition was carried. The committee consists of 14 members.

It was decided to call the league a General Land League. ' \ A vote of thanks to the' chairman concluded the meeting.