TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2426, 15 February 1909, Page 7

TRADES AND LABOR COUNCIL.

ORDINARY MEETING

A meeting of tlio East Coast Trades and Labor Council was held in Townley’s Hall on Saturday evening. The vice-president (Mr. T. .13. Sweet) occu- ■ pied the chair. A letter was read from the Secretary, General Post Office, in ..reply to the request of the Council to supply Gisborne with home savings bank safes, stating that the safes are ;at present only on trial. If tlie trial be satisfactory, the question of extending their use beyond Wellington will be considered. Letters from Sir Joseph Ward and tho Hon. A. W« Hogg were also read, conveying than'ks to the Council for the congratulations sent them. The Chairman moved, —“That this Council thinks it advisable to put forward a candidate at the forthcoming Borough elections,” stating that the objects of the Council is to seek direct representation on all public bodies, and further explained the advantages , to be derived from it. This was strongly supported by Messrs. Maddison," Catton, Harding, and Hall. On the motion being car-/ ried, it was resolved that circulars be printed, expressing the necessity lor such a course, ancl placed before all unionists for approval. It was also resolved tliat the Council endeavor to place a candidate for the Licensing Bench election, to take an impartial action. In view of the forthcoming elections, all unionists were urgently requested to ascertain and see that their names are on the Borough electoral roll. Some exception was taken to the change of method in marking ballot papers with a cross instead of striking out the names. It was resolved that the Government be requested to revert to the former practice oi striking out. The question of securing permanent rooms was considered, anil reports on likely rooms received. It was resolved to defer the matter to a later date, awaiting further reports. . Some discussion arose on the advisability of having a permanent general' secretarv for all unions in Gisborne. Mr. Catton, on bringing up the subject. stated that Gisborne was sorely in need of such a secretary devoting his time for the general welfare of unionism. Mr. Maddison stated tnat it would only need a small levy on each member, and tlie benefits the? would reap from it would be manifold. After being strongly .supported by other delegates, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Maddison. seconded by Mr. J. Harding, that the question be referred to the affiliated unions for approval. . 1 n . After a notice of motion had been handed in by Mr. Maddison, re harbor board franchise, etc., tlie meeting terminated.