LABOUR DAY AT WELLINGTON.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 353, 13 October 1898, Page 2

LABOUR DAY AT WELLINGTON.

SPEECH BY THE PREMIER

(BY TELEGRAPH- -rRESS ASSOCIATION). Wellington, Last Night. The weather for die carnival in celebration of Labour Day was dull and threatening, but the rain fortunately kept off. The usual procession was held in the morning, but it presented no new features, although it was longer than usual. Some of the trade displays were very striking and effective, and, generally speaking, were of a fairly representative character. The route of the march wa& crowded with people, a close holiday being observed in the city. The Carpenters' Union won the first prize for labour display, the Seameus' Union beiDg second.

Athletic sports were held in the afternoon and attracted one of the largest gatherings ever seen on the Basin Reserve, ohe attendance being estimated at about eight thousand. The Demonstration Handicap, of £35, was won from the back mark by L. McLauchlan, an old Victorian pedestrian, now resident in Napier. The bicycle events, which were run under the New Zealand League of Whelnien rules, proved very interesting racing. J. Chalmers and C. M. Gardiner, two well-known riders, won the bulk of the prize money.

During the afternoon Mr Seddon delivered an address, in which he said it gave him great pleasure to take part in one of the greatest movements ever inaugurated by the workers ot the colony—the recognition of the eight hours' principle. That day's gathering was superior to anything of the kind ever held in Wellington. It reflected the highest cieditonall concerned and showed the workers were earnest in their endeavours to uphold the eight hours' system, and it was an object lesson to the outside world of the good that came from shorter hours of labour. Despite the eight hours' system, the industries of the country had progressed at a satisfactory pace, which was a sufficient answer to the cry that by shortening the hours of labour industries would be crippled and capital driven from the colony. In reviewing the work done by Parliament this session iu the interests of the workers, he especially congratulated the people upon the passing of the Municipal Franchise Bill, and expressed his gratification that at last all the residents incities would have a voice in the .management of municipal affair. The Old Age Pensions Bi'l had passed the Lower Housa, aud he trusted the other branch of the Legislature would bear in mind that it was only just to our aged people that the States should provide for them in their declining years. As to the Workmen's Compensation Bill, he regarded it as containing one of the greatest reforms that had ever been before the country, and he hoped to be able soon to congratulate the workers that the measure had been placed on the Statute Book. He felt pretty confident that the Masters aud Apprentices Bdl would go through. It would work for the advantage of the masses, and consequently of every soul in the country. The workers who were the best judges were agreed upon the necessity for such a measure. Owing to the great diversity of opinion that existed among those directly interested with regard to the Eight Hours' Bill before the House, the House had almost come to a deadlock over it, which accounted tor the slow progress of the measure. He might say, however, that the Government were prepared to accept the Bdl iu full so far as the public departments were concerned, so that the Government employees would be in exactly the same position as the employees of private individuals.

Mf Hutcheson, M.H.R., who also spoke, bore testimony to the great work the Premier had done in the Mouse during the past few weeks in the interests of labour. As to the present session, he thought it likely, despite the long hours and severe mental strain on members, that a good deal of remedial legislation would be passed in favour of the workers. He also expressed his conviction that the Old Age Pensions Bill would become law tins; session. Hearty cheers were given, for Mr Scddon and Mr Hutcheson.