The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1939-12-14
Vancouver Trades
Continued From Page One)

organization, which had number of
branches on the continent but were
afterwards, by mutual agreement with
the International Brotherhood, closed
down on this continent. While the
name has been used by some since
that date it has no connection with
the original or British organization.
"The minutes of this organizing
meeting that was held on November
Fl, 1889, contain the following reso-
luton:
Sought 9-HOur Day
"'That the representatives of the
different labor societies now assem-
bled in meeting believe it to be in the
best interests of all classes of work
ing men that nine hours shall consti-
tute a working day for all classes Of
labor and are of the opinion that the
best means to accomplish the same
would be all classes of working men
being thoroughly organized during the
coming winter. 1t is therefore resolved
that the Secretary of this meeting do
request all labor societies of the city
to elect delegates to a meeting to be
held on December 5th for the purpose
of forming a Trades and Labor Coun-
Gil for the city of Vancouver, to take
into consideration the 9-hour move
ment and other matters pertaining to
the welfare of working men,
"The Vancouver Trades and Labor
Council is therefore one Of Vancou-
ver's oldest institutions. The few
unions that were established here SO
years ago believed that if there was
merit in men becoming organized
with their fellows in the first instance,
that there was also merit in the unions
themselves becoming affiliated in a
council which would give voice to their
aims and aspirations on the various
matters affecting labor.
"It was started and has continued
as a philosophical organization, TAX
ing human nature as it is and not as
some would like it to be. For so
years this council has continued to
represent the views Of organized labor
in this city. The people who have
been affiliated with it have played the
most important part in building up
this community. The craftsmanship
Of our artizans went into the con-
struction of practically all of our
buildings.
Aided Civic improvements
"The council has always taken an
active interest in questions of public
improvements such as the right to
the foreshore at English Bay for the
benefit of the people for all time. 1t
is very doubtful if the people of Van
couver would have had publicly owned
beaches if it had not been for the
campaign carried on by this council.
The reclaiming and development of
False Creek was another project in
which this council took a very active
part. The University of British Co.
lumbia was another. These are only
few Of the many things that this
council has actively assisted in bring
ing about for the benefit of all the
people. 1t has continued to function
from the time that it was formed un-
til the present time, not because GER
tain people have wished to keep it
alive, but solely because of the fact
that it was social necessity for the
people who first formed it and for
those who have continued it's exist
ence.
"Our elected representatives have
annually attended the Provincial Gov
ernments of the day, requesting and
offering suggestions for the enact
ment of legislation for the betterment
of social and labor conditions. The
bulk of the social and labor legisla-
tion which is in effect in British Co
lumbia today had its inception in the
meetings of this council and it has