TIMBER WORKERS’ CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2651, 5 November 1909, Page 3

TIMBER WORKERS’ CONFERENCE.

A DEPUTATION TO HON. J. A MILL All.

[Pku I'ukks Association. l WELLINGTON, Nov. 14. A deputation waited on the Hon. J. A. Millar yesterday to bring under his notice the resolutions passed at the timber workers’ conference. The deputation Avas introduced bv Messrs D. Me. Loan and J. Stallworth’* M.P.’s. Mr. J. S. Wheeler, president of. the timber workers’ conference, explained the nature of the resolutions passed by the conference. In his reply, the Hon. J. A. Millar dealt with most of the points raised. The programme put forward was a very formidable one. in his opinion. However, hd would tell them candidlv that they would never have satisfactory preference to unionists without conditions which, paradoxical as it might seem, render it of no use whatever. The ouestion of a 44 hours’ week was a policy one. Land nationalisation was another policy question. As to the., purchase _of all railway sleepers in New Zealand" for certain classes of work (such as heavy curves) there was not a suitable timber in New Zealand. Ironbark sleepers were an absolute ne•essitv for some work.- The Government would take all the sleepers they could get in New Zealand. The question of_ import duty on timber would be dealt with in due course. He agreed that it was necessary for surgical appliances for first aid ito be kept at sawmills. If an opportunity offered he would make provision to this effect in a -Bill this session. He also promised to have full enquiries made as to the accommodation provided for bush workers.