The Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1860-11-19 00:00:00

A GOOD IDEA.

When the question of repealing the paper duty was
last session under consideration, a number of influential
gentlemen connected with the stationery and printing
trades of the town felt called upon to meet in consulta-
tion, With the view of taking steps to secure a just
drawback on such sticks of paper as might be on hand,
and adopting such other measures as might be necessary
for the protection of their mutual interests. The con-
ferences then held, apart from this direct object, proved
indirectly the value of such meetings in the maintenance
of a good understanding between the members of trades
so nearly allied in interest, and the result was the for-
mation of a " Stationers and Printers' Association."
Although the society is as yet in its comparative
infancy, the members, with the spirit which has hitherto
characterised their proceedings, resolved on celebra-
ting its formation by the first of an intended series
of annual dinners, which was held on Saturday evening
last, at the Adeiphi Hotel. Sixteen of the principal
employers of labour in the various departments of the
printing and stationery business sat down, under the
presidency of Mr. Mawdsley, Mr. M'Corquodale
discharging the duties of vice. We understand that
after the proper business of the evening had been dis-
posed of, an excellent suggestion was thrown out for
the origination by the meeting of a provident society
for the benefit of the artisans " in connection with the
stationers, printers, bookbinders, booksellers, litho-
graphers, engravers, reporters, and all the collateral
branchea of the stationery printing, and publishing
trades in Liverpool and liirkenhead."
Here is base sufficient certainly for the formation of
an extensive and flourishing society ; and we rejoice to
learn that the idea met with instant and unanimous
approval,—those present testifying their sincerity in the
most satisfactory manner by the immediate subscription
of upwards of £lOO for the realisation of the object.
A committee was appointed ; and we understand that it
is their intention shortly to make arrangements for an
extensive soiree, to be held in one of the largest halls of
the town, and which the operatives from all the prin-
cipal establishments will be invited to attend.
The advantages, both public and private, which have
flowed from the establishment of well-conducted socie-
ties, such as that contemplated, are now so generally
acknowledged that it seems almost a work of superoga-
tion to add one word in commendation of the scheme.
Indeed, now that the idea has been mooted, one learns
with surprise that a body of men so numerous, and
generally so intelligent as those to whom we have
referred, should so long have been without the advan-
tages so extensively enjoyed from such provident
organisations, by the operatives in other and inferior
trades. The promoters of the movement are desirous that
the society should be based on the soundest principles
educible from the most advanced knowledge of vital
statistics ; but this accomplished, the compilation of the
rules for the government of the society, and its whole
subsequent management will devolve upon the men
themseltes. It is true that besides the liberal dona-
tions made, most of those present on Saturday evening
also put down their names as annual subscribers to the
funds of the society ; but we see in this only another
instance of the increasing growth of good feeling be-
tween employer and employed which so happily charac-
terises the age, and we feel confident that conduct so
generous Will meet with due appreciation from those
whom it is especially intended to benefit.