CONFERENCE OF TRADES COUNCILS.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 125, 24 April 1897, Page 2

CONFERENCE OF TRADES COUNCILS.

<k The following resolutions have been passed l>y the Conference fitting in Dunedin : " That the Minister of Labour lie aga'n urgently requested to so amend the Factoiies \ot as to bring the hours of labour for females and boys to the same footing as Clause 5 of the Act of 18'J'2 ; also to strike out that part of Clause 55 of the new Act, which gives exemptions for live of the holidays ill the year. By 8 to -I it was decided that the Government be respectfully asked to bring in a Bill to extend the municipal franolr.se to every adult hou eholder who lias been resident three months in a district ; also to abo'ish the »ystem of plural votinc. After discussing the Lreal Government Bill it was resolved, " That this Ccnference while not committing themselves to all the provisions of the Local Government Bill, believe that there is great necessity for local government rc'orm, ami stn ugly urge upon the Government to consider the matter at an early period of the next session of Parliament, and also that the various Trades Councils be asked to consider the Bill and forward theii recommendation to the Government as speedily as possible. The following was carried unanimously a'tcr discussion, " That this conference deprecate the practice of the Government in still supporting non-union olliees by advertising and having printing done in these olliees to the detriment of union olliees; also, that the cmfereuce once mote ask the Government to support fair olliees only.' It was decided to ask the Government to place a sullicient sum on the estimates to ensure the efficient administration c.f the Labour Derailment. It was stated that in Wellington the provisions of the Factory Act who simply ipn; red, sanitary conditions were not cariied out,and women Mid children were working in places not fit for fcwlhouses. A motion was carried that the Government lie requested to give preference in the matter of employment to tiade unionists, in accordance with the orders given under the Conciliation and Arbitration Act. The coi fen lice approved of the principle of an old age pension scheme. After discussion, it was resolved ''That the Government be asked to introduce an amendment to the Coirupt Priietices Art, making (1) individual canvassing by a candidate or any < f his support! rs, before or on the day of an election, illegal ; {•_'; touting (11 the day of an election lllci-ll ; (•"•) loan-end the Flectoral Act, to pi-vent ;ny impersonal'on, or plural voting." A'mot'on was carried that a Bilhhonld be pas ed to enable the Labour Department to collect reliable statistics gathered from yearly paytluots i>! employers.