Title: Typo: A Monthly Newspaper and Literary Review, Volume 5, Issue 50 (28 February 1891)

Editor: Robert Coupland Harding

In: Typo: A Monthly Newspaper and Literary Review, Volume 5

Publication details: Robert Coupland Harding, 1891, Napier

Part of: Typo

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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Legislation in the Country Districts.—The time has arrived when this question should be seriously taken up by societies; in fact, the question might be asked— « ؟Have not the country districts been left to themselves for too long a time? » Many years ago it was contended by thoughtful men in the profession that missionary work in the country districts should be undertaken by the societies then in existence; but in those days the affairs of the towns where those societies were located engrossed the whole of their attention. Since then trade unionism, as represented by the various Typographical Associations, has made wonderful strides in the larger towns and cities of the Continent, and consequently those associations are now in a much better position to take the country districts in hand. There is an immense field of labor in this direction in the various colonies and there can be no doubt that a great benefit would result page 18to the trades were the work undertaken. The Council are of opinion that the proper bodies to do this work are the societies themselves, as constituting the Union, and the Council has affirmed its willingness to co-operate in every possible way with any society taking the matter in hand. The country districts are looked upon as a menace to societies at the present time through the number of half-taught youths they are able to supply in times of emergency. Many of these youths know nothing of typographical societies or their aims, and can hardly be blamed for any mischief they may do. Therefore it is a duty which societies owe to themselves to see that the young men employed in country offices are made alive to the advantages to be gained from trade unionism, and where possible to form societies for the extension of the objects which the Union has in view. As before stated, the Council will give every possible assistance to societies undertaking such work, and earnestly recommends the subject for their consideration.