31

I.- -10

19. Mr. Morrison.] What about subclause (5) of clause 104?— I would suggest that subclause (5) and other clauses down to subclause (10) be all struck out. Then, coming to clause 113, I think that the Government should say that the operations of this Act shall be enforced on all. 20. The Chairman."] Are those all the clauses you object to ?—Yes, but I may say I have a few other points to refer to in connection with matter that has been deleted from this Bill. The Chairman.] The best -plan will be for you to hand in any written matter in regard to anything that you know has been deleted from the Bill. 21. Mr. Laurenson.] You say you object to clause 11 where "the Eegistrar may refuse to register a society " &c. ?—Yes. 22. You represent the Seamen's Federated Union?— Yes. 23. There is a local society in Wellington ? —Yes. 24. Is it registered ? —Yes. 25. Have you a branch ?—No. 26. How many men have you in the Federated Seamen's Union, roughly speaking?— The report I had from the head office in Dunedin shows there are 857 ; in Auckland there are 394. 27. That is over I,2oo?—Yes ; we have about 1,270. 28. How many are there supposed to be in the branch in Wellington ?—According to the return there were supposed to be 547. 29. Mr. Tanner.] You appear to be under the impression that the Bill imposes a grievance on trades unions in subsection (2) of section 12 by not authorising them to embark in particular industries ?—Yes, I do. 30. And you object also to the 1-acre limit ?—Yes. 31. What is the object of a trades union?— The object of a trades union is directly to conserve the interests of its members, and to better their condition, financially and otherwise. 32. You mean with regard to wages, hours, and conditions of employment ?—Yes. 33. Are you aware that under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act of 1877 a society can be formed to embark in an industrial enterprise, purchase lands, and do other things outside the ordinary functions of trade-unions : are you not confusing the objects of such a society with those of an ordinary trade-union ?—I do not know the Act you refer to. I have never read it. The Chairman.] Those are all the questions, Mr. Young. You will please hand in those amendments you suggest, and remark that you incorporate them in your evidence.—Very well, sir, I have two amendments here which I desire to have incorporated in my evidence, and I will hand them in. [Suggested amendments handed in. See Appendix to Evidence.] I might say in connection with these amendments, I forwarded draft copies to the Dunedin head office, and also to Auckland, and the reply I got was to the effect that both Dunedin and Auckland unanimously indorsed them. Mr. Brutoji: I have just one remark, Mr. Chairman, in regard to subsection (2) of section 103, which says, " The Board or Court may sit during the day or at night, as it thinks fit." I strongly object to night sittings in regard to either Boards or Courts, and I am of opinion that disputes can be considered much better during the day.

APPENDIX.

SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE LABOUE BILLS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF EEPEESENTATIVES.

From President, Master Tailors' Union. Oub trade want an alteration in the Conciliation Act compelling all making-up order-work, either by chart or any other form of measurement, to pay the tailor and tailoresses' log as paid by merchant tailors in any city where the factory is situated. Auckland, 9th July, 1900.

From the Wood-woekees' Employees. We think industrial unions should have available for inspection complete membership rolls. This is only fair and necessary if we must give preference. Dunedin, 10th July, 1900.

From Otaqo Coal-minces , Industbial Union op Woekees. That where any industrial unions are working under an award, they (the industrial union) may appoint one of their number to watch their interests in or about the mine.