The half-yearly meeting of the Auckland Branch of the N.Z.T.A. was held in Robson's Rooms on August 18. There was a good attendance of members, and much interest was taken in the proceedings. The state of the printing trade in the Auckland district was thoroughly considered, and suggestions made whereby improvement could be effected. The question of boy and girl labor in printing offices was discussed, the meeting deprecating the large extent to which this class of labor was utilised to the exclusion of adults. It was also shown that there was little or no advantage derived by master printers by filling their offices with apprentices even from a financial point of view. This swamping of offices with boys was considered unjust both to the apprentices and the trade generally. The number of boys and girls engaged in the trade in Auckland was estimated at two to each journeyman. The low prices at which work is tendered for was also commented on, the report advocating that the heads of printing houses form themselves into an association for their mutual protection, and arrange a schedule of prices which would be advantageous to themselves and their workmen. The following resolutions were carried unanimously:—

« That the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Typographical Association views with regret the state of the printing trade in Auckland, which it believes is brought about by the unfair predominance of boy and girl labor, and wishes in all possible ways to strengthen the hands of the Executive Council in providing a remedy for this evil; also, to express its approval and hearty concurrence in the steps being taken to bring about federation with the various Typographical Unions in Australia. »

« That to strengthen the hands of the Association, the Secretary be instructed to write to non-society men, inviting them to become members of the New Zealand Typographical Association. » The report and balance-sheet were adopted.

The meeting was unanimous that something should be done to raise the trade to a higher status here, and non-society men were invited to join the Branch to strengthen the hands of the Association.