The Potteries Examiner : — 1874-12-05 (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England)

NATIONAL AMALGAMATED ASSOCIA.  TION OF NUT AND BOLT-MAKERS. The Birmingham Branch of this Association held their quarterly meeting at the Fountain fun, Great Lester-street, on Monday evening. Mr. John Smith occupied the chair, and in opening the meeting, he said he was glad to see so m.lny present, for it showed they still took an interest in tho welfare of the society. He understood some of the inembers had got some little grievances to bring forward, and at his request they stated thtm, remarking they were content to let the matters take their proper comae, and go before the Executive Council.  Mr. Jaggins, general secretary, said ha would take into consideration the complaints from • the men. With reference to some former complaints which had arisen in the branch, and which • would no doubt have conic before a law court, but takI tug into consideration that such matters could be better settled amicably for the benefit of masters and men. Taking into consideration the action of some masters in discharging part of the men, aid nut show very Wall, , when the men are willing and anxious in is slack trade to all share the little that comes, which would be a ' benefit to the men and the masters. He could tell them that one place in the district the masters were keeping the men on three or four days per week, and the men wished all to take their share, and the masters bad cmrteopsly agreed to the wish. He was also proud to tell them that the same employer had promis.l to do his utmost to find them all full work until after Christmas. He could also tell them that he was now in a position to state that in the eye of some of the largest employers non-society men were not held in such favour which Was generally supposed; and he urged upon the men to still stand to the association during the present slack trade; and he was glad to say that the good feeling which existed with the associated masters held in check those unprincipled masters who would be glad to now take advent-veld the slack trade. Was it not for the union, :hey would doubtless have had the men locked out for a reduction ; but he would tell them that if they still wished to keep up the power of the 11880Cialion they must stand up to their duty, as the best way to keep peace was to be always prepared for war. Mr. Juggius then dwelt on the excuses made by seine of the employers' that they could buy work !rout Darlaston, and showed that such statements are entirely erroneous, as the masters at Darlaston had now to pay the same price for iron and workmanship as in Birmingham, and therefore could not sell cheaper than the Birmingham masters. lie then referred to the strikes now going on at Middleabmingh, Darlington, and Sum derlaud, showing the necessity of still supporting the men there, as on them depended the future of the trade in the north, and also the general trade of the country, be urged them to still her;. good the name they had attained, as it was now known by the Parlia. mentary Committee that this association has made mor • progress than any other society in the time it has bo in existence. With respect to some complaints that ii any man made himself prominent in the interests of the association, and he got seven days' notice, the society could not he supported. unless he was discharged without notice; but he would tell them that to meet such cases the rules provide that any branch can. if they like. pay and raise a fund for the purpose of sick and out of Work, alit some branches were now working on that principle, so that if that was done the men would be better cared for, and, if cases arose, would not then have to lay KO min+ on their own resources, he urged the men to do away with any little petty jeidousy which may arise among theni ; to stand by the association ; to see in each other a brother, and let it be the object of each member to do his best fur the society and trade, and leave the trade in a good and prosperous condition for their children. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Juggina then resumed his seat amid applause. After some remarks from Mr. Cooper and others, the usual votes of thanks brought the meeting to • close.  ANOTHER SUICIDE FROM THE CLIF