Page:The agricultural labourer (Denton).djvu/42

 "2.—That as one means of raising the agricultural labourer from his present depressed condition, it is desirable to encourage and assist the formation of agricultural labourers' district protection societies.

"3.—That these societies shall be in principle and operations strictly defensive, and carefully guarded against all possibility of aggression either on employers or fellow-workmen, and that their chief object shall be to secure a fair day's wages for a fair day's work, in proportion to skill, ability, and industry.

"4.—That the committee be at once appointed to manage the details to be employed in forming the above societies and to direct and superintend the work, to draw up a code of rules, and to promote in all possible ways both the physical and moral improvement of the agricultural labourer.

"5.—That those interested in the improvement of the condition of the agricultural labourer be earnestly requested at once to provide a fund for the payment of the salaries of the organising agents, and all other expenses incurred in carrying out the proposed object"

Mr. Fawcett, M.P., moved a rider to the resolution, to the effect "That in the opinion of this conference the condition of agricultural labourers will continue to be depressed and unsatisfactory until their education is secured by compelling their children under thirteen years of age to attend school so many hours a week."

Mr. Fawcett's proposition was supported by the Marquis Townshend, who thought, however, some immediate means of ameliorating the condition of the agricultural labourers should be adopted.—A lengthened discussion ensued, in which Lord Northbrook, Mr. Read, M.P., Lord Lichfield, the Hon. A. Herbert, Mr. G. Potter, Mr. Lloyd Jones, and other speakers took part.—The resolutions were then passed with some verbal alterations, the most important of which was the substitution of "unions" for "societies" in the third and fourth.—The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman.