Mr. Hughes moved on Wednesday the second reading of the
Trades' Unions' Bill, which repeals all the combination laws, and gives all societies of the trade, not otherwise illegal, the same protec- tion for their funds now accorded to friendly societies. Mr. Hughes made a very able and exhaustive speech, expounding the great injustice of the present law, and the determination of the artisans to have justice done them. Mr. Austin Bruce, speaking for the Govern- ment, cordially acquiesced in the principle of protecting the funds of the Trade Societies, and only regretted that since the report of the Trades' Unions' Commission in March the Government had not had time to prepare a Bill dealing both with this subject and with the combintaion laws, for the unmodified repeal of which he did not appear to be anxious. He was anxious at least to intro- duce some special provisions against intimidation of operatives by each other. Mr. Forster, however, announced that if the Bill were pressed to a division, the Government would support its second reading, though they wished to deal with the subject com- pletely, and introduce a Bill early next session. Accordingly, the Bill was read a second time,—apparently a sort of pledge to the working men that the Government were in earnest, and were not trifling with them,—a pledge greatly needed,—but it is under- stood that it will not be proceeded with this session.
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