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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 29

Opening of a Branch in South Australia

Opening of a Branch in South Australia.

Permission having been obtained from the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners to establish a branch of their society at Adelaide, a public meeting of carpenters and joiners was held at the Bristol Tavern, Franklin Street, on Saturday night, February 2nd, to cany out that object. Upwards of thirty were present, and Mr. Daniel Jones was unanimously elected to the chair. The secretary pro tem. (Mr. R. H. Eddy) explained that the society was what might be termed a trade union; and amongst the advantages which had been obtained by its influence were—a reduction of the hours of labour, increased wages, the adoption of codes of working roles, the establishment of boards of arbitration, and the formation of classes for promoting technical education. In order to become a member, it was necessary to produce a medical certificate of good health, and pay an entrance fee equal to the average worth per member of the society. After being a member for twelve months, dating from the time of joining, he should be entitled as a "free member" to "all benefits" during sickness, enforced idleness, or disability through accident (temporary or permanent), by paying a certain sum per week to the general fund, and another payment per quarter to the contingent and benevolent fund; or "to all benefits except sick benefit" by paying on another scale. At the end of the first year of the society's existence, in 1860, its membership was 618; branches, 20; and capital, £321. Now the latest published report, for 1876, showed that it had 317 branches, 16,038 members, and a capital of no less than £70,109—spread over Britain, America, and Australasia. The amount of benefit the society had paid since its formation up to December, 1875, had been £156,345. After learning this information, the meeting passed a resolution—"That a branch of the society be formed in Adelaide;" and all present enrolled themselves as members. The following officers were then elected for the first quarter, subject to passing the requisite medical examination:—Messrs. Daniel Jones (president), A. Angel (secretary), F. Criddle and T. Simmons (check stewards), J. Sich and S. Street (auditors), G. Sich, J. Riley, F. D. Johnston, J. Cairns, and W. Evans (committee-men), H. Emmett, T. Durham, F. E. Ford, R. H. Eddy, and J. Moss (trustees), T. Wakeman (referee), and Dr. Joyce (medical examiner).—From the Adelaide Evening Journal, February 4th, 1878.