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 carried to the effect that a vote would be taken on the question of closer organisation. We had ballot papers with us (Mr. Semple saw to that), and when the ballots were taken at the mine mouths it disclosed majorities of from 10 to 20 to 1 for federation.

In due time a conference was held in Greymouth. An extract from the minutes reads: “The conference of West Coast Unions for the purpose of forming a Federation was commenced in Beirne’s Hotel on Tuesday, August 4, 1908. The conference opened at 10 a.m., the following delegates being present: Messrs. P. Cumming (Seddonville), J. Wesley (Granity), R. Semple (State Mine), P. H. Hickey (Blackball), J. Foster (Denniston), H. Kennedy (Reefton), G. Newton (Grey Valley Workers). Mr. R. Semple was appointed chairman and P. H. Hickey secretary of the conference.

The membership of the Unions represented were placed on record, and disclosed the following:—

It was resolved that, in view of the action decided upon by the Trades and Labour Council Conference (which had just concluded its sittings in Wellington) to form a Federation of Labour, the name of this organisation be the New Zealand Federation of Miners.

The following preamble and objects were adopted (the preamble being practically identical with that of the Western Federation of Miners, US.A.; about the only additions being Objects 1 and 2):—