Perth & District Trades & Labour Council – Minutes
1. 12 October 1897 – 12 February 1903: 11 November 1897 meeting normally on a fortnightly basis with Mr Finlay Cree of the operative masons presiding. About thirty at the meeting. Carpet weavers mentioned. Also labourers. And slaters. ASE appoint delegates to the Trades Council November 1897. Propose to contact the moulders. Resolution about School Board complying with Education Act and supplying the free books that they are required to supply. Raised issue of contacting Dundee about getting a bakers union branch set up in Perth. 9 December 1897 Bakers Federal Union appoint David Bruce James A. Duncan to Perth Trades Council. Traders Council has an organising committee. Thanks to Trades Council efforts a branch of the Bakers National Union is formed in Perth. 23 December 1897 Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants appoint John Phillips and William Mackie to the Trades Council. Approach from the only member of a Brass-fitter’s union in Perth asking for help in organising his trade. Discussion of the Fatal Accidents in Public Inquiry Scotland Act and agreed that the act was inadequate. Amendments penned and sent to various officials including the Marquis of Salisbury and A. J. Balfour. Mention that the Bakers’ have over eighty members. Discussion of organising the men in the dye works – no decision made. 6 January 1898 Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners appoint delegates to Trades Council James Marshall and William Cameron. Correspondence General Secretary of Amalgamated Tailors’ Society about their Perth branch who had made a verbal application to join the Trades Council. It was noted that there were four members of that union in Perth and the rules required six to form a branch. So their verbal application refused. The Trades Council is concerning themselves with local issues and making representation to the council on the issue of the widening of the High Street and the building of a new bridge all linked to rises in rates. Agreed to set up a meeting to organise the Brassfinishers and Coopers. Approach to the local MP Robert Wallace positive and he supported their unhappiness with the Fatal Accident Act. Issue of railway servants hours came up – talk of men signing their time as 24 hours. Attempt at getting the Trades Council represented at the Perth Cooperative Society conference defeated. Also looking at federation to the STUC. 20 January 1898 Report of meeting held with the Brassfinishers and Brass-moulders and the setting up of a union with fourteen names going forward initially. Secretary met with “the Coopers and the two non-union men had consented to join the Edinburgh Branch” as only two of them in Perth. John Brown announced that he had been elected president of the Blacksmiths Society. William Mackie Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants joins Parliamentary Committee. Amalgamated Society of Tailors write to say that they have seven members and wish to join the Trades Council. Discussion about Scottish Federation of Trades and Labour Unions – no decision. The Trades Council take care to scrutinise applications so as to ensure that bona fide unions are joining. However, might be some rivalry going on. At the next meeting 21 January the Amalgamated Society of Tailors object to showing their books to satisfy the other Branch of tailors. Eventually the books were brought but the names of members covered up with blotting paper – this caused argument – eventually agreed to show the names. After the tailors left discussion felt that this branch of only seven members were up to no good, The other branch already on the Trades Council had eighty members and four delegates, enough to represent the tailors of Perth. Agreed at next meeting not to admit them. Invitation to send delegates to meeting of STUC. “The Organising Committee with the assistance of several Dundee gentlemen had been able to form a branch of the Brassfounder Society in Perth.” 20 February 1898 Vote taken not to send delegates to STUC. Discussion about need for communication between various Trades Councils across Scotland. Also discussion about how to force the Council to build houses for working men at moderate rents – motion. Membership breakdown given: masons 159; associated joiners 95; tailors 80; bakers 87; railway servants 75; printers 68; amalgamated joiners 48; plumbers 31; labourers 30; plasterers 26; carpet weavers 26; blacksmiths 17; brass founders 15; slaters 21; painters and engineers no figure given. Next month further discussion about slum housing and a meeting with the council to which was pointed out that “Perth had more slums … than they had in Edinburgh and Glasgow”. Link to Smaller Dwellings (Scotland) Bill. Backed up by reports from the Sanitary Inspector and Medical officer of health. Lord Provost and magistrate are opposing the building of social housing units. Motion condemning council passed unanimously. 17 March 1898 meeting the Society of Coach-builders join the Trades Council. Issue of a fair wages clause in the Irish Local Government Bill and the support of the local MP, Wallace to this. Brass-workers Society delegate change. 30 March 1898 Organising Committee to meet a delegate from the Carters and Labourers Union regarding the organization of those workers in Perth. Talk of setting up a Technical Education committee with a representative from each trade and communicating with the School Board over the teaching of technical education in the town. The council are involving themselves in parliamentary bills and making recommendations to the local MP on which bills to support. 26 May 1898 minutes note Trades Council’s sympathy over the death of Gladstone. 30 June 1898 Agreement to work with Mr Banks (plumbers) in the organizing of that trade. Issue at later meeting about why so many painters in Perth not joining the union – only 20. 13th October 1898 Letter from the Labour Ploughman and Carters regarding the reorganising of the Perth Branch. Carpet-weaver Society delegate credentials. Trades Council to be represented at the opening of the Public Library. 27 October 1898 Resolve to make contact with the Perth Master Painter Association. ‘The paragraph in the newspapers regarding the Bakers dispute were misleading as the men had not threatened to strike if the employers did not concede to their demands. What they wanted was a 56 hour week and time and a half for overtime‘. Success in getting candidates for elections: Mr Watson (plumber) – fourth ward; Mr Hardie (hairdresser) – second ward. Working on Mr Glass who was selected by the Joint Committee and whether he had the correct attitude to trade unions. First Annual Meeting 10 November 1898: Continued support for the Bakers given. Further discussion about commission of inquiry for the victimised railway servants. 24 November 1898 Bakers dispute again. And, dispute between the Tailors and the Co-operative Society. 3 December 1898 invite Mr Glass to address Trades Council. Bakers win their dispute. Letters in local press – PA – condemning Trades Council for their role in the dispute – bakers however thank the Trades Council. Described at the meeting as a “victory for Trades Unionism in Perth”. 22 December 1898 Land Nationalisation Society letter about setting up a lecture – it was eventually set up for January 26 at the Cooperative Hall. 5 January 1899 Credentials from Amalgamated Joiners. 19 January 1899 Credentials from Operative Bakers for two additional delegates. Agree to have a festival at some point. Committees in operation at this time include a Parliamentary Committee, Organising Committee, Local Affairs Committee, Executive Committee, Auditors and a Technical Education Committee. 16 March 1899 Appeal from the Shop Assistants Union asking for help in organising the local shop assistants. Set up a Committee for Local Affairs. 31 May 1899 “reported that the Brassfinishers had gained a …. victory, that the Employers had signed the demand, and that the men were working as usual.” April 12 1899 plumbers can now send four delegates to the Trades Council instead of two. Issue of Masons threatening strike. Guest speaker, Mr Hunter of the Bakers Federal Union. Mention of possible Bakers strike. New President, James A Duncan. 8 June 1899 Glaziers set to join the Trades Council. Link to Bakers Union Bill. 6 July 1899 success in getting blacksmiths to join the union noted. Noted that some of the blacksmiths in Perth were working 7/ under the Standard rate of wages. 20 July 1899 lots of discussion over the dispute between the bakers and the Cooperative Society. Organising Committee looking at strengthening the Postmen’s and Saw-millers Unions. 3 August 1899 discussion about a Trades Hall. 1 September 1899 propose that the Organising Committee communicate with the Saw-millers and Postal Clerk Unions with a view to them joining the Trades Council. 28 September 1899 Saw-millers Union send credentials to Trades Council for a delegate. Thanks to work of Trades Council the bakers have attained grants for technical education from the School Board. Technical Education Committee becomes Education Committee. 12 October 1899 Organising Committee instructed to engage with the Painters Union about joining the Trades Council. Announcement about a new Labour paper, The British Socialist News. 26 October 1899 STUC conference of workers in Edinburgh coming up delegates required. Painters sending a delegate to the Trades Council. October 21st 1899 Report back from the Cooperative Conference in Crieff. Workers Conference held 25 October 1899 under auspices of the Trades Council. Twelve societies in Trades Council represented by 33 special delegates all told 56 representatives present. Speakers – James Maclagan of Glasgow District Workers Elective Committee. Poor attitude of the Co-operative Societies mentioned and hope that in time to come the Trades Council might be able to work hand in hand with the Cooperative Movement. Maclagan spoke of Old Age Pensions and the Land Question and Housing Problem. Only the workers can solve their problems he said and that required Cooperation and Trades Unionism. Another speaker was Mr McNeil of the Glassblowers talked of the need for municipal reform. Annual Report for Year Ending 9 November 1899. 43 delegates from 15 unions. During the municipal elections of this year the Trades Council in conjunction with the Cooperative Society have succeeded in getting three councillors elected who are pledged to trade union principles. The Trades Council in Perth has worked with the local MP Wallace and tried to get a Bill put through parliament. The Trades Council has helped to make sanitary improvements a test question at the municipal elections. Organising Committee firstly tried to organise the Scavengers and failed, then failed to start a branch of the Labourers and Carters Union. Not giving up they attempted to organise the carters and men of the Cleansing Department together into a union – were faced with indifference in this task. Have been involved in successful in increasing pay and gaining of holiday entitlements. Involvement in the glaziers dispute and formation of a branch of that trade’s union though this has collapsed. Great success with getting the Sawmillers and the Painters to join the Trades Council. Helped organise the blacksmiths. Education Committee success with grant for technical education to the Bakers. Have worked with Cooperatives to assist workers. 9 November 1899 AGM. President Charles A Whyte. 23 November 1899 Credentials form the following: Blacksmiths; Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants; Scottish Typographical Association; Perth Power-Loom and Carpet Trades; Amalgamated Society of Slaters. The Plasterers were looking to withdraw from the Council and so a delegation would approach them on the issue. 8 December 1899 “Mr Cameron then reminded Council of the approaching School Board Elections and hoped that the Trades Council would work with their usual energy when the time came”. 18th January 1900 loss of contract to supply clothes to local constabulary considered. The contract once done locally was now in the hands of a large London firm. Some of the councillors responsible for changes to this contract were candidates endorsed and supported by the Trades Council. These councillors agreed not to send the clothing contract to a non-union firm paying non-standard rates, but they have not stuck to this agreement. 1 February 1900 request from Cooperative Education Committee for three delegates to work with them on candidates for the forthcoming School Board Elections. 1 March 1900 support for the Report of the Royal Commission on Accidents to Railway Servants and resolutions to government and statesmen to this end. And support for an associated bill. Frank Simpson proposed to be the School Board candidate. He agreed to stand as a labour candidate depending entirely on a labour vote – this was greeted with cheers. Next a discussion about the high mortality rate in Perth and council failures to deal with it. Link to the Sanitary and Health Inspector issue. 15 March 1900 Mr C Robertson “gave a very proper explanation … the present strike of painters at the General Station”. One of the Trades Council delegates Mr Young had agreed to stand for the Cooperative Society. Report on the masons dispute and agitation which had ended satisfactorily. 29th March 1900 Joint committee for the School Board Election agreed to hold meeting in different parts of the City during the week. 12 April 1900 Delegate credentials from operative bakers of Scotland Perth Branch and from Branch No. 15 of the Scottish Saw Mill Operatives. Success at School Board elections. And great success for joint work between Trades Council and Co-operative Movement. Simpson elected. Moncrieff of the Trades Council recently returned as a Director of the Cooperative Society. 26 April 1900 Letter in local press relating to award of Police clothing contract saying that Trades Council should take up the issue – “the public were beginning to recognise that the Trades Council was a power in the town.” Discussion of vacancy on the Parish Council. Agreed to nominate Mr White – “this is a fine chance for us”. 10 May 1900 Discussion of corruption in the council and buying properties at extortionate prices. 4 June 1900 Letter from Amalgamated Society of Musicians about supporting unionised musicians in the town and the Trades Council agreed to work to this end. Next issue about the Council advertising for printing in Glasgow and Edinburgh; Trades Council to oppose this taking of work outside the town. The Apprentice painters were out on strike. Trades Council discussed a levy to support them but agreed to wait to see what the Painters Union was to do for the apprentices. 21 June 1900 Apprentice painters still on strike and being paid by their union. Proposal from the Shoemakers asking the Trades Council to help them organise a union. 5 July 1900 “painters situation seemed a little better”. “Mr Cunningham gave a report of the joiners dispute. He thought it had come to a very fair settlement”. 19 July 1900. Printers dispute involves two shops and 34 men. 2 August 1900 Mr Templeton General Secretary of the Printers at the meeting talking about the strike. Vote of Sympathy with printers passed. “the Trades Council to try and bring a settlement between the masters and men of the Painters.” Delegation to see painters to assist with resolution. 16 August 1900 Lord Provost agrees to chair a meeting between two sides, painters agree but masters refuse any arbitration or outside help. Letter to various local unions asking to set up a levy to support the painters who had now been on strike 4 months. 29 August 1900 Painters strike ended “but not so satisfactory as they would have liked”. Printers: “Mr Templeton [General Secretary] of the Printers being present gave a short report of the dispute at present going on amongst them here and explained that the executive intend to carry it on and that they intend to carry the case of intimidation which two of their men had been fined by Sheriff Sym for into the Court of Session and he said that if justice was to be got they would have it at any cost”. Discussion about article in the PA and agreed not to allow journalists into Trades Council meetings who were not trade unionists. 13 September 1900 Trades Council invited to opening of new bridge. Issue of Forfarshire and Perthshire Coop Conference refusing to allow Trades Council delegates. 15 September 1900 Printers still determined to fight out. Notice from the Dundee Trades Council that the Hand Sewn Boot and Shoemakers Society had died a natural death. Starting to think about councillor candidates for the Municipal elections – committee formed. Charles A Whyte still Chairman and Robert Gill Secretary. 11 October 1900 Planning procession for bridge opening. Annual Report November 7 1900 44 delegates representing 15 unions. Income £11-14-10 and Expenditure £8-17-3. In the Municipal Elections no direct candidates but supported candidates who pledge themselves to the Trades Council programme – five (of these 6) were returned. One or two of those supported gone back on their pledge. Two candidates supported for School Board – one directly Simpson (late secretary). “The Council do not intend to stop here but in the time to come intends to have direct working representatives sitting in other Boards in connection with the City.” Have got local MP to support some important legislation before parliament. Organising Committee tried but failed to organise the shoemakers into a branch of the National Union. Education Committee visited night schools and say good practice. Initially good work with Cooperative Movement and sent a delegate to the Forfarshire and Perthshire Conference, however that body has since resolved not to have Trades Council delegates. Trades Council attempting to get that resolution overturned. Two strikes – painters out for 4 months but had to give in. Printers been out for about 5 months, no settlement yet. November 22 1900 Printers in 20th week and ask for financial support. Voluntary subscription agreed to. 6 December 1900 Letter from Workmen’s National Housing Council. 20 December 1900 Testimonials for the four printers who stood up for trade unionism. 17 January 1901 Trades Council delegation had met the Lord Provost and Magistrates in regard to the fixing of a weeks holiday in the summer – next meeting reports their refusal. Issue of workers at the barracks not getting normal town rates – Trades Council to investigate. Housing Reform Conference to be in Dundee next month. 28 February 1901 Perth branch of Amalgamated Society of Engineers letter saying that they would not be joining the Trades Council at this time. Bought a dozen copies of London Trades Council’s London Trades and Labour Gazette. Simpson leaving city and thus resigning from School Board. Dundee Trades Council to link with Perth to look at housing reform – Perth and District Housing Reform Council. 11 April 1901 Agreed to send a report of Trades Council meetings to the Perth Courier every fortnight. 25 April 1901 special meeting to set up Housing Reform Committee – various guests including ex-Baillie Wright. Passed a resolution calling on the town council to buy properties to rent to workers which after a set period of time would become the property of those workers 9th August 1901 Special meeting to oppose the town council’s intention of building workers’ housing near the Shore Road which is in proximity to the slaughter house, gas tanks and town‘s sewers. Councillor Keillor at the meeting advocating opposition alongside the Trades Council. Unanimous resolution passed and sent to the council. 22nd August 1901 report on delegation that went to the council on the Shore Road housing issue. Propose to wait and see what the council are to do and then if necessary organise a public meeting. Dealings with the painter’s union about getting the council to keep the contracts for painting their properties within the town. 12 September 1901 the City Hall meeting to go ahead. Next few meetings dealing with suitable candidates to support in the Municipal Elections – ex bailies, small business people (chemist; jeweller).Eventually chose candidates to support in all four wards. 24 October 1901 Discussion and resolution or stopping Convenors of the Town Council receiving money or any other sort of present from contractors to whom they have awarded Town contracts. Discussion on finding “workingmen to come forward as candidates for the Parish Council … to return Mr Montgomery [Trades Council member] … [and] … to find some other working men to go in along with him”. 31 October 1901 Mention of Taff Vale case – no action. Trades Council representative to meet with Corporation Servants “with a view to forming a union amongst them”. Annual Report 9 November 1901 Trades Council has 15 affiliated societies – same as last year but membership numbers down due to decrease in union membership. Exceptionally busy year. They have a member on the Parish Council and have supported candidates in local elections. Wrote to council on Shore Road housing, sent deputation etc but no reply. So resolved to hold public meeting – passed resolutions which were sent “to Lord Balfour, the Secretary for Scotland, and which caused a fresh inquiry being made by the Local Government Board. After which they were again granted permission to build”. Nevertheless, Trades Council kept plugging away until the council eventually decided to leave the scheme over until new council meet. Trades Council involved in as much Co-operative Society work/events as possible. Point out that they are still looked upon with suspicion by the Co-operative Society. No real trade disputes this year but tailors and bakers both succeeded in achieving their demands. Joiners fared worse and after a small struggle had to concede a reduction in wages. 21 November 1901 Credentials from Associated Blacksmiths and the Perth Typographical Society. 19 December 1901 Credentials from Perth Branch of Scotch Power Loom Carpet Trades. 16th January 1902 Credentials Perth Branch Amalgamated Carpenters and Joiners. Issue of Scotch Central Miners Union versus Lanarkshire Miners Union – Trades Council agreed in the exclusion of the former from the Council. The matter had been brought to the attention by Glasgow Trades Council in a letter to the Disputes’ Committee of the Perth Trades Council. 25 January 1902: /. 30 January 1902: Masons Hall, Hospital Street. Issue of lobbying Council to set up a Fever Hospital. 13 February 1902: Perth Branch W 15 of the Scottish Saw Mill Operatives and Wood Cutting Machine-men’s Society. School Board grant TC Education Committee right to visit evening classes at the Perth Academy and the Caledonian Road School. 13 February 1902: looking for a suitable candidate for the School Board to replace retired TC member – time limit difficult. ’Mr Montgomery gave a very lengthy and interesting report of the meetings he has attended of the Parish Council’. 27th February 1902: Communication with the Amalgamated Furnishing Trades Association as to setting up a branch in the town. Look to supporting Councillor Keiller for school Board in replace of D E Ferguson who retired. 6 March 1902 – Special meeting with National Industrial Association – TC supportive. 13 March 1902: ’select a few of our members to allow their names to be put forward as directors of the Public Baths and Poorhouses’. 27 March 1902: Still raising housing and similar issues with the Council via the Town Clerk. 10 April 1902: Council happy to meet TC deputations. Discussion of a European War and food prices and affect on working class. Issue of dependence on foreign food – resolution to this end passed. 24th April 1902: Meeting with Improvement Acts Committee of Town Council. Talk about People’s University. 8th May 1902: Credentials from Perth branch of the Brass Finishers Association. Protest about raising of Town Council’s officials’ salaries. 22 May 1902: ’the Perth Branch of the S. A. Tailor’s Association had at last succeeded in getting the only out standing shop of the Town into the Union thus making the whole of the Workmen in one society’. 19 June 1902: Continuing discussion with Council over Social Union Question. 17 July 1902: Attempt to get Slater’s Union back in the TC and also Plumbers. Agreed to help set up a Shop-assistants Union branch in Perth. Looking to support candidates in the Municipal Elections who will ’work for the interests of the working classes’. 14 August 1902: /. 11 September 1902: Opposition to Education Bill continuing. Petition in regard to Taff Vale Picketing Decision. Committee set up to find a candidate/representative to the Town Council. Now looking for School Board candidates. Looking to organ25 September 1902: ’a direct working man representative candidate for the forthcoming Municipal Elections’ – Mr Montgomery to go forward. Committee set up to see to the arrangements for Mr Montgomery’s candidature’. 9 October 1902: Mention of SWRC third conference in Dundee. Montgomery is highly active in the TC. 23 October 1902: Montgomery to go to SWRC conference. Montgomery is ‘the Trades Council Candidate’. 6 November 1902: Defeat in Municipal elections but nevertheless the TC will try again organise coopers into a union. 20 November 1902: /. 4 December 1902: ’Mr Montgomery gave a report in connection with the Painters Union and stated that there was like to be a dispute in connection with the Union in Perth’. [This is scored out in pencil in the minute books]. 18 December 18t1902: /. 15 January 1903: STUC congress coming up delegates required. ’A letter and post card was read from the Secretary of the Perth Clarion Fellowship (Perth Clarion Club) stating that they had appointed a committee to work in conjunction with our committee for the forthcoming School Board Elections’. TC agree to meet with them. 29 January 1903: ’A letter was read from the Secretary of the Cooperative Society, requesting this Council [TC] to appoint three of their members to cooperate with them for the purpose of selecting candidates for the School Board Election’ in April. TC agreed. Request from ILP and Keir Hardie for unemployed numbers in Perth district. Annual Report for 1901 and 02 and 03: Fifth Annual Report. ’The Representative position of the Council has this decreased. Last year there were 15 societies affiliated comprising 40 delegates, representing a constituency of close on 800 members’. Currently 13 societies, 30 delegates and 700 members. Lost – associated Joiners (4 delegates and 100 members) and the Railway Servants (2 delegates and 50 members). Hope that this year to get these two societies back in the fold. Education Committee busy visiting schools etc. and seeing high quality teaching. ’During the past year there has been no dispute of any great magnitude lasting any considerable time’. Issue of councillors supported in elections who then completely ignored the TC. Montgomery stood as a direct representative in the 4th ward – ‘made a good fight of the seat’. First attempt by the TC ’of being directly represented in the Town Council’.
2. 26 February 1903 – 22 May 1912: 26 March 1903: Mention of support of candidates for School Board elections. 13 August 1903: Tailors’ dispute mentioned. 26 August 1903: mention of Clarion Club and Town Council’s action against them holding a meeting on the South Inch. 24 September 1903: ’progress and settlement of the dispute’. 8 October 1903: Municipal Elections – nominate Mr Penny for First Ward and Mr Montgomery for the Fourth Ward. Montgomery is TC and this was his second attempt. 5 November 1903: Clarion Club looking to organise lecture on Labour Politics. Annual Report February 1903 to February 1904: Tailors’ dispute – strike averted. Representation on Public Bodies – ’Mr Montgomery our present representative of the Parish Council nominated 2 of our number namely Messrs Murdoch and Penny for vacancies caused between term but was unsuccessful in getting them appointed. But the [Trades] Council should take immediate action and get … for the Parish Council Elections in November 1904’. Also, two representatives on Coop Directorate. Labour – ’happy to say a branch of the ILP has been started in Perth’. Scottish Trades Congress to meet in Perth in April. John Montgomery is Secretary of the Perth Trades Council and member of Painters‘ Union. 25 February 1904 – Sandeman Library asking TC to send delegates to their Arts and Crafts Exhibition Committee. 24 March 1904 ILP write requesting support for a Labour Demonstration during the Trades Congress. 28 July 1904: TC invited to platform for ILP Keir Hardie M.P. meeting on 1 August 1904. 19 October 1904: Delegates to go to SWRC 5th Annual Conference in Dunfermline. Milne and Murdoch elected. 2 November 1904 Four candidates selected for Parish Council Elections in November and three elected: 1st Ward J Penny; 2nd Ward J Montgomery; and, 3rd Ward John Williamson [Vice-President of TC – Baker]. 7 December 1904: special meeting with ILP to look at unemployment issue in Perth; risen above 300. Resolve to approach M.P. and Council in regard to providing employment through improvement schemes such as renovating and leaning schools and public buildings. 29 December 1904: Delegation to Caledonian Road and Southern District Schools. Mention of ‘lantern’ meeting with James Morton, Organising Secretary of the Gas-workers’ Union to take place at Cooperative hall on 11 January 1905. Mention of Mr Robertson gaining election to the Board of Directors of the Cooperative Society. February 1905: Plasterers join TC. 18 October 1905: discussion on organizing tramway men. 1 November 1905: delegate to be sent to SWRC Conference in Brechin. 15 November 1905: Mr Penny now Secretary. Deputation to go to the town council over unemployment in the town. 28 November 1905: Involvement/correspondence with the Parliamentary Committee of the STUC. 10 January 1906: Letter from the Tenants Protection Association of Glasgow in regard to the abolition of missives, TC to support notion and make it a test question for election candidates. 7 February 1906: Mr Robertson (printers) now president. 21 March 1906: School Board Elections – ’a discussion took place on the same and it was moved by Mr Banks seconded by Mr Robertson that the council support 2 of the candidates namely Messrs Young and Coates’. 18 April 1906: Painters Dispute – ’a letter was read from the General Secretary of the Scottish Amalgamated Society of House and Ship Painters asking the council to support them in the dispute which had arisen between them and the Cooperative Society’. TC write to the Cooperative Board of Directors. 24 April 1906 Reply from Cooperative Society saying happy for matter to go to the Joint Arbitration Board – TC agree. 2 May 1906: Painters agreed to send the matter to arbitration. 16 May 1906: United Kingdom Postal Clerks Association Perth Branch left over decision to send delegates to the TC. 27 June 1906: Dundee’s Society of Tramwaymen offer to help organise tram workers in Perth, Sunday meeting to be organised. 3 October 1906: ’the award of the Joint Board of arbitration was read stating that the Cooperative Society should sign the bye laws and should not have employed the glazier at work which cannot be described as other than painting work and finally suggests to the Directors of the Cooperative Society that as opportunity may arise, they reinstate the painters who in consequence of the dispute left the Cooperative Society’. 31 October 1906: Agreed to send a delegate to the Annual Conference of the Scottish Workers Representation Committee. Arrangements to be made for a trade union demonstration in Perth. 12 December 1906: deputation to the evening classes at the Sharp’s Institution/Caledonian Road/Southern District. 9 January 1907: ASRS become affiliated to TC. 23 January 1907: Letter from ILP asking TC to find a Labour candidate to stand in oncoming By election in Perth and that they would support that candidate completely. Resolve to write to all the TC affiliated secretary’s ’asking them to take a vote on this question’. 2 February 1907: 11 secretaries return voting slips with For – 145 and Against – 124‘. 6 February 1907: W Milne now Chair (carpet-weavers). By this time 13 unions returned votes on the question of Labour Representation: For – 147 and Against – 132; Turnout: 279 out of a potential 500. ASRS reported on a discussion where it was agreed by the branch that ’it was inadvisable to put forward a Labour Candidate’. Leave matter for now. 20 February 1907: ’Letter from Mr Carson Secretary of Scottish labour Party was read, thanking the council for their action in regard to recent Parliamentary vacancy in Perth, and expressing the hope the constituency may yet be claimed by the Labour Party’. Parliamentary Vacancy! The Workman – TC quarterly leaflet produced. 6 March 1907 – Coopers might rejoin TC. Criticism from the Perth Operative Brassworkers about TC ’had apparently lost their interest in the Unions they represent, and turned to matters of no importance’. LRC – ’a letter was read from Mr Jos. J Duncan Aberdeen, a member of the Executive of the Scottish Labour Party, intimating that he would be in Perth shortly, and asking if the council would be willing to form a Labour Representation Committee in Perth’. TC considered that ’the question of an LRC for Perth to be premature and not likely to appeal to the various local branches just yet, and this was agreed to. The Secretary to notify Mr Duncan of this decision’. 20 March 1907: Joseph Duncan of Aberdeen (SLP) addresses meeting – give stalk about trade union rise and the Labour Party’s role in the Commons in advancing legislation of industrial and social matters which only possible by direct working-class representation. Made the point about getting direct representation on all elective bodies. TC discussion mentions ’the special difficulties of Perth in this question’. 5 June 1907: Amalgamated Society of Cooperative Employees looking to organise a Perth branch and linking in with TC. 26 June 1907: Lock-out at Newburgh of linoleum workers; TC to send delegation. ASRS send 7 delegates to TC. 24 July 1907: Approach to Perth Postmen’s Federation – ungracious refusal to affiliate or even receive a TC delegation. 21 August 1907: 20 delegates present. 4 September 1907: Discussion about LP’s Unemployment Bill. 18 September 1907: ASRS now have nine delegates due to growth. ’In view of the forthcoming Parish Council Election … we invite Messrs Williamson and Penny, the Trade Unionists on the Council, to attend the next meeting, and give their views.’ 2 October 1907: Further correspondence with Dundee Bleachworkers Union and failure of their dispute in Dundee. Messrs Williamson and Penny spoke on their three years on the Parish. Agree to stand for re-election and TC to support them in this endeavour. Council. 16 October 1907: Williamson and Penny adopted as official TC candidates. 30 October 1907: Both returned unopposed. 13 November 1907: ’It was agreed that in the event of a contest in the Landward Committee of Perth Parish Council, we should endeavour to further the candidature of Mr Neil Black, an ex-member of Trades Council.‘ 28 November 1907: ‘Mr Bell, painters, reported prompt and successful action on the part of his society in connection with attitude of a firm in town regarding the payment of country money.‘ 11 December 1907: Delegate appointed to annual Labour Party conference. Perth Typographical Society considering an advance movement. Perth Branch Railway Clerk’s Association to join TC. 8 January 1908: Painters Society now represented. Negotiations between painters and employers mentioned. 22 January 1908: City Café. Involvement with Dundee Tariff Reform Association. Mr Scott Secretary of ILP at meeting to raise issue of advances of salary granted to School Board. Agreed to set up a public meeting with ILP, Trades Council, Trade Secretaries, School Board and Cooperative Society. Discussing municipal issues and raising ’lighting of stairs and closes in Brown Street’ with the Council. 27 at meeting. ’Mr Bell, painters, intimated that it had been agreed to submit their differences with employers to Board of Trade arbiter’. 5 February 1908: Secretary gave report as delegate to the Scottish Labour Party in Edinburgh. Mention of discontinuing publication Workman after next issue. Painters had won their case; the arbiter finding in their favour. 19 February 1908: ‘A long discussion took place as to the establishment of a Labour Representation Committee in Perth, but it was agreed to raise the question again’. ‘Printers’ advance movement would be settled this week one way or another’. 4 March 1908: ‘Printers’ Advance Movement had now been, by an advance of 1/- on standard rate, and reduction of hours from 57 to 50 per week.’ Communication from Labour Party asking for support for the Unemployment Bill. 18 March 1908: Letter from Women Workers’ Union. TC to ask MP Sir Robert Pullar as why he voted against Unemployment Bill. 28 March 1908: /. 1 April 1 1908: Report on public meeting ‘when resolutions were passed condemning the action of School Board in raising already adequate salaries’. Support of Miners’ Eight Hour Bill. Issue of inviting affiliated societies ‘to give an opinion as to whether they would agree to the establishment of a local Labour Representation Committee, to secure working-class representation on public bodies’ – carried. 15 April 1908: On-going discussion of uniforms bought from a London firm which is not under terms of the London Tailors – communication from London Trades Council. 17 delegates. 29 April 1908: ASRS intimate their support for setting up a local LRC. 13 May 1908: Perth Branch Carpet Trades Association in favour of local LRC. Two joiners’ unions to amalgamate in July. May 27 1908: Deputation from Trades Board. Local LRC – Typographical Society in favour BUT Coop employees and Sawmillers against. 24 June 1908: 21 present. 22 July 1908: Letter from A.D.E. ‘intimating withdrawal from Council’. Involved in getting local churches to adopt Fair Wage clause in all contracts. Only seven unions replied to LRC letter. 19 August 1908: LRC issue – 4 unions in favour; six against while 5 failed to respond. Matter to be dropped for a year. Noted that ‘a Workers’ Election Committee was about to be formed and suggested that we be represented at a preliminary meeting in the ILP rooms’. 19 present and 16 absent. 2 September 1908: /. 16th September 1908: /. 20th September 1908: /. 14th October 1908: /. October 28 1908: ‘A lengthy discussion took place with regard to the election in the Sec. ward (?). When it was agreed to support Messrs Clark, Forest and Mastite (?)’. November 11 1908: /. 13 November 1908: Special Executive Meeting – /. 25 November 1908: /. 9 December 1908: Issue of joiners employed at the Coop building in York Place – being paid less than the standard rate – Joiners Society to take action and if required Trades Council will take up matter. 23 December 1908: /. January 6 1909: Letter from ASRS as to whether TC was supporting candidates in the Municipal Elections. January 20 1909: Condemnation of Town Council for employing painters at below the standard rate. 29 January 1909: /. Annual Report February 3 1909: Sixteen union branches affiliated representing 1000 men. ’an unsuccessful attempt was made to be represented on the Local Committee of the Old Age Pension Scheme’. Success in getting Fair Wage clause added to Corporation contracts for printing. 3 February 3 1909: /. 3 March 3 1909: /. 17 March 1909: ‘Mr Thompson the School Board candidate called to address the Council and was introduced by Mr Mill who pointed out the benefits to be derived by having working men represented on the board by men such as Mr Thomson who knew the proper requirements for the working man’s child at the schools’. 20 March 1909: School Board Elections nominated candidates to address the next meeting. 31 March 1909: Looking for delegates to go to Ramsay MacDonald meeting. Mention of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen’s Union. 14 April 1909: Meeting finished early so as to go to Ramsay MacDonald meeting. 28 April 1909: Mr Thomson gets elected to School Board. Problem with TC delegates not attending or doing sufficient trade union work in Perth. 12 May 1909: Mention of Coop Employees as members of trades council. 26 May 1909: Engineers & Firemen’s Union (Perth Branch of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen) affiliate to Trades Council. Talk of a Benefit Scheme night at Perth Theatre. Discussion with David Thomson of the school Board in regard to inserting a Fair wage Clause in employment contracts – favourable. 23 June 1909: Society of Railway Servants leave the Trades Council. 14 affiliated unions left. Mention of Bakers’ dispute: – ‘Mr Rae brought the question of the Bakers’ dispute before the Council and asked why the Trades Council had not been consulted or informed of the steps taken by the Perth Branch. Mr Laird Secretary of Bakers Union replied & explained that the dispute being so complicated & so quickly brought about that there was really nothing to report to the Council. R laird’s explanation was considered very satisfactory and the Council agreed to minute their entire sympathy with the Bakers’ Union and hoped they would soon come to a satisfactory agreement’. 7 July 1909: Executive meeting to consider letter from Bakers’ Union announcing open-air meeting and asking for the trades council’s support. 1 September 1909: mention of injustice at the gasworks. Continuing to work with Thomson of the School Board. 29 September 1909: mention of Workers Election Committee and the two candidates for the Municipal Elections – Mr Allan and Mr Neil Black. [ILP]. Candidates agreed that if elected that they would see trade union wages paid on all Council contracts and all Corporation contracts pay fair wages. Both candidates supported. 22 December 1909 Affiliate to the National Committee to promote the Break-up of the Poor Law. Delegation to School Board on Fair Wages clause. 5 January 1910 School Board to adopt clause. 2 February 1910: Annual Report on Bakers’ dispute – ’ the Bakers were unsuccessful in this connection I cannot refrain from expressing the opinion that if their Executive had taken up with more energy at the commencement and have called upon all trade unions to rally round them the case might have had a different ending‘. Council to continue to push Fair Wage Clause on all public bodies. Two working men representatives – Thomson on School Board and Allen on Town Council. Thomson very successful and got Fair Wage Clause passed. Affiliated to Workers Election Committee. – look at all public boards. 13 April 1910: attempts to get Shop Assistants to join the trades council. Cllr. Allan addresses meeting. Thanked for his efforts. 27 April 1910: Shop Assistants affiliate. TC working to organise municipal employees. Talk of a meeting with trade unions and Cllr. Allan; disagreements as to whether to invite other councillors – some members wanted this. 11 May 1910: New union to be set up for Municipal Employees – Municipal Employees Association. Issue of letter from Dundee Tramway Union asking Perth TC to get the Perth Tramway Employees to join their union and not the MEA. 25 May 1910: Perth listens to case of Dundee Tramway Union and Dundee Trades Council but decide to go ahead with MEA. 2 July 1910: Special Committee meeting involved in formation of a union for the cabinetmakers and upholsterers. 20 July Letter from a committee formed for the Promotion of Common action among Socialists read and request for the TC to express itself favourable to socialism ruled out as being non-constitutional. 14 September 1910: Newspaper report detailing municipal employees working 73 hour weeks. 28 September 1910: TC sent deputation to gas Works and produce detailed report on improving workers conditions etc. which is published – copy stuck into minutes. 12 October 1910: mention of Osborne judgement. 19 October 1910: special meeting on the Osborne judgement. Mention of WEC and canvassing in the Third Ward. 1 December 1910: TC in Perth support neither candidate due to their positions on the Osborne judgement. 15 February 1911: letter from Dyers Union looking for TC to help them organise workers at dye-works. Steady progress on Fair Wage Clause. 22 March 1911: special meeting to discuss elections to Perth Public Baths and Perth Wash House; TC nominated several of Its own members to those boards. 29 March 1911: Perth Public Baths and Perth Wash House nomination – Refused to take part in Coronation festivities committee. 26 April 1911: vote on Coronation activity 8 to 4 in not taking part. On-going work on organising dyers union. TC send reports to People’s Journal. 4 May 1911: Issue of Council contract from a non-union shop and Cllr. Allan’s involvement – some members condemn Allan and matter is left with Secretary. 19 July 1911: Resolutions from London Trades Council – Insurance Bill. 16 August 1911: Communication from Daily Herald committee, but TC advised by Labour Party not to assist, so complied. MEA ceased to exist. 30 August 1911: Issue of an electric stoking plant at the gas works further discussed. Issue of Labour Exchanges comes up and communication with Edinburgh Trades Council. 13 September 1911: resolution on use of troops in the recent railway strike includes the words, ’in view of what has taken place, we ask the workers of the country to withdraw their support from this or any Government that is willing to maintain our unjust commercial system (by which a few are rich and the workers poor) at the point of a bayonet’. Some unhappiness over Cllr. Allan’s change of attitude to the Gas Stoking Plant. 11 October 1911: Invitation to Labour Party Conference declined on the grounds that the TC was not affiliated. 25 October 1911: TC member, D Bruce to be a candidate in Municipal election – council to support him – First Ward. Newspaper cutting – not clear which paper – ’Mr Bruce had only recently joined the Trades Council, but since he came amongst them he had been one of their most hard-working members. Although they could not see eye to eye with him regarding Prohibition, they yet recognised that as a social reformer he was in the front rank, and as such, it was their duty, not only as trade unionists, but as citizens, to rally round him on this occasion. If ever the working men of Perth had a chance of sending a true working-man representative to the Council they had it in Mr David Bruce‘. TC oppose Railway Bill. 8 November 1911: Committee to look at slums – 5 TC and 3 ILP. 17 January 1912: Bruce probably in the Bakers’ Union. Visit to St Johnstoun’s Buildings in regard to complaints. On-going work on slum housing in Perth,. Consideration of Insurance Act. 31 January 1912: Plasterers threatening to withdraw from TC. David Bruce becomes President. AASRS coming back to TC. c. March 1912: Plumbers affiliate to TC.
3. 5 June 1912 to 4 August 1920: 5 June 1912: Union now operating at Pullar Dye-works and mention of a strike. Still deadlock over the distribution of circulars on the ‘Advertising Perth’ boost to tourism. 12 June 1912: special committee looking to approve candidate for the Insurance Committee. 5 July 1912: Mention of Blackford Trades Council. 11 September 1912: attempting to get Labour paper into the Library. 25 September 1912: Dyers Union now in TC. 23 October 1912: Municipal Elections – looking for candidates – no mention of Allan? Talk of discussions with LRC. Looks like 3 TC member stood – Bell, Rae and Bremmer(?). 6 November 1912: Blacksmiths to join TC. ’Gone forth under the hammer of labour’. 15 January 1913: UK Postal Workers Perth branch to affiliate to TC. Enquiries made Into condition of workers at Stanley Mills. 29 January 1913: M Robinson (painters) engaged on picket duty – dispute. Mention of press bias in reporting of dispute. 26 February 1913: Large attendance of delegates. 26 March 1913: ASRS letter about demonstration of railway employees to celebrate Inauguration of the National Union of Railwaymen. Candidates for the Directors of the Public Baths and Wash-House. A number of candidates selected but disagreement over supporting non-union ones – vote 11 to 10 in favour of supporting all on the list. 23 April 1913: Operative Masons join TC. ’Letter read from Perth branch bakers Society intimating that is was proposed to hold a demonstration on the 17 May and inviting the cooperation of the TC’. TC to support. Mention of Tenants Defence Association. 7 May 1913: TC to report to Royal Commission on Housing on Perth situation. Discussion of getting suitable people on the Insurance Committee. 22 May 1913: Bakers success and ’received an increase of 2/- per week on the minimum wage, with 6d per day extra for jobless’. As a consequence of the baker’s actions three shops previously closed to the union opened up and attempts to get the final two non-unionised shops in to line. Public meeting to be held to set up Tenants Defence Association. Discussion of need to hold up the annual May Day demonstration ’on account of the progress lately made by the Dyers’ Union’.
27 August 1913: ‘Mr Bruce presided over a rather poor attendance of members.’ 10 September 1913: Letter to CPCS and DTC as regards cooperation over a conference on the nationalisation of the railways. Agreed to organise a demonstration on the following Sunday against ‘Dublin Police Outrages’. Demonstration Committee set up, handbills produced and distribution points set-up: Pullars’ Carpenter Street gate; Dunkeld Road; corner of St Catherine’s Road. 24 September 1913: ‘The question of Labour representation at the Municipal and Parish Council was freely discussed, but nothing of a definite nature came of it.’ Discussion as to the entrance of female members on PTC – unanimously agreed to allow two delegates from each Branch of NFWW. 9 October 1913: Bottle-makers delegate present. 23 unions affiliated to PTC at this point. 22 October 1913: Agree to cooperate with the NPRP over demonstration linked to Dublin situation. 5 November 1913: ‘Councillor D. Bruce presiding.’ Bruce thanked PTC for helping to get him elected. Mr Farquhar, a member of PTC Executive Committee had acted as Bruce’s election agent. Issue with John Shields’’who had refused to acknowledge Union Paper.’ £14-14-0 raised for ‘Relief of Dublin Workers’. 17 December 1913: ‘Letter from Secretary of the Local Women’s Suffrage Society (Non-Militant) thanking council for sending representative to meeting.’ ‘Correspondence with National Union of Gas & General Workers giving particulars of dispute as to the teaching gasfitting to apprentices at Perth Gasworks.’ 26 January 1914: Resolutions for the Labour party conference – so that PTC must be affiliated to the party. 11 February 1914: ‘That in view of the fact that the Scottish Trade union Congress was the main body for looking after Scottish affairs, we become affiliated.’ Agreed unanimously. 11 March 1914: Female delegates from the dyers’ union and the NFWW. 15 March 1914: Meeting of PTC with candidates for School Board. 8 April 1914: Working with ILP to find joint premises. 20 May 1914: ‘An interesting discussion took place on the question whether the Labour Movement in Perth should take steps to run a Labour candidate at the General Election. … the general opinion was that until we had properly organised the workers it would be futile to attempt anything of the nature indicated.’ Special Meeting 21 July 1914: Question of force feeding of suffragettes. large attendance. Resolution condemning force feeding passed. Very successful mass meeting set up with the public on the day Miss Scott released from prison. 29 July 1914: Letter from ‘the Organiser and Secretary of the WSPU thanking the PTC for the public protest against forcible feeding, and expressing the belief that strong stand made by the Trades Council had a large share in securing the release of Miss Anabella Scott.’ 21 October 1914: Delegates from the Scottish Motormen’s Association. 16 December 1914: Master plumbers agree to advance workers ½d per hour to 9d per hour from 1 January 1915. 12 January 1915: Councillor Bruce. 10 February 1915: Secured new premises in Rose Terrace. 10 March 1915: Still maintaining CPCS links – advertisement in annual report. ‘Circular was read on the prohibition of alcoholic liqueurs during the period of the war. After some discussion in which various side issues were raised, the matter was allowed to drop.’ 24 March 1915: Mention of local Tenants’ Defence Association and support of them and resolution against ‘short lets’ and the House Letting and Rating (Scotland) Act. Mention of dispute involving the Shop Assistants’ Union and ‘Home & Colonial Stores’. PTC seek joint action with the local branch of the union. 7 April 1915: Mention of Shop Assistants’ Union dispute locally with Shepherds Stores – resolved when war bonus granted. Bakers’ union have unionised the final non-union bakery/shop in Perth. 21 April 1915: Writing to Town Council over annual Sanitary Inspector’s report and the continued existence of housing with no sanitary arrangements. 5 May 1915: ‘Letter was read from organiser of Paper Workers Union stating that offices had been opened on Edinburgh Road, and soliciting the help of Council [PTC] in organising all workers in the paper trade.’ PTC agreed to give all help possible. 19 May 1915: Bruce reports that municipal workers applying for a war bonus. 2 June 1915: Municipal worker war bonus declined. PTC resolve to endeavour to get a Labour JP appointed. ‘Circular was read from Joint Committee of Trade Unions catering for Cooperative employees, protesting against AUCE organising workers in Cooperative Societies who are eligible for membership of other unions.’ PTC resolve to invite AUCE to discuss the matter. 30 June 1915: Circular from ILP with resolution against conscription – passed by PTC. 30 July 1915: PTC continue to pay their affiliation fees to the Labour Party. Bottle Blowers Society join PTC. 17 November 1915: PTC agree to take over the work of the Tenants’ Defence Association and receive 27/ from that association. 12 January 1916: Motion against the Military Services Bill split vote 8 to 7. 9 February 1916: Amalgamated Society of Railway Vehicle Builders affiliate to PTC. 19 unions currently affiliated – 3 down on the previous year. 9 February 1916: ‘Councillor Bruce in the course of his remarks said, that being the only real Labour Member in the council, that he could not do much but that he was watching and taking notice of things that were happening, and doing what he could when the opportunity arose. If he said we had another three or four Labour Members on the Council we might get something done but at present he could do very little as he had no support.’23 February 1916: Delegate reports revealed ‘trade was very good with exception of tailors and dyers. Mr Stewart (Dyers) said that they had no increase since the war owing to the unorganised state of Pullars.’ Mention of thousands of females working as railway clerks – being rapidly organised by the union. In Perth the NUR has 660 members but no females. 8 March 1916: opposition to Military Services Act. 22 March 1916: Mr Small of the Workers Union outlining his strategy to get the numerous unorganised workers in the city organised. Gas Workers report saying that they would not accept anything less than the 2s offered by the arbiter. General Secretary of the Gasworkers’ union advised the men against striking as they came under the Munitions Act. PTC attended a meeting with the Town Council (the employer) and this had shifted things – acquiescence fro the Town Council. Agreed to collect money for the defence of John McLean who was to be tried at the Court of Justice in Edinburgh – collected 6s 8½d. 2 April 1916: PTC have Councillor Bruce on the Appeal Court and William White on the Local Tribunal. Talked of the 400 cases. No problem with indispensable cases etc. but the gentlemen who made up the tribunal were prejudicial when it came to conscientious objectors. Bruce talked about the honour of being the representative of the organised workers. 5 April 1916: Printers dispute in Glasgow and Edinburgh meant that work was being sent to Perth. Joiners received a penny an hour advance. Gasworkers have received their advance as a war bonus. But, all the gasworkers had now joined the union. ‘A communication from the National Housing Committee asking us to send two delegates to a conference in Dundee on the 22nd April. It was agreed to send two. the secretary and Mr Robertson Railway Clerks were appointed. The delegates were instructed to state that the Perth Trades Council were prepared to start a Branch of the National Housing Committee in the district.’ Resolution protesting against the deportation of the Clyde leaders. 19 April 1916: Agreed to set up the Forfarshire & Perthshire District of National Housing. Bakers apply for a 5s a week rise. Certainly operating very much as a Labour organisation – the problem must simply be one of size and influence. The fact that they keep talking about being the representatives of the organised workers signifies the dichotomy – the split. 3 May 1916: The National Housing Committee had arisen out of the rent agitation. Noted that 20% of NUR workers not organised. Women workers being introduced in the gas industry at lower wages. Slaters are on strike. All men working out of town bar two blacklegs both non-union men. 17 May 1916: Slaters win strike. Bakers gain 3s a week. Attempts to get Corporation carters unionised. A letter from the British Socialist Party with a leaflet ‘Prussianism or Peace’ against militarism caused a dispute with Bruce objecting to it. Split was 13 to 5 in favour of at least reading the letter and leaflet. 31 May 1916: ‘Mr Laing (Bakers) reported that members of his union employed by the CPCS had handed in their notices owing to the Directors not having granted the 3/- increase to the men who were paid above the minimum rate of wages. The other Master bakers in the town having signed the agreements to do this. His union had had no other alternative but to withdraw their labour until their demand was complied with. Meantime the Co-operative Society had applied to the Board of Trade to intervene and the matter was now in the hands of the National Executive who were holding a meeting that night, to discuss the situation meantime their notices had been withdrawn and they expired 3rd June.’ Motion that the government look to negotiate an early peace to the war again divided PTC. Bruce put forward an amendment that the resolution lie on the table. Upon a vote PTC equally split and the chairman’s casting vote passed the amendment. 28 June 1916: Letter from CPCS outlining their case in the bakers’ dispute. Glaziers, NUR, and Printers all got increase in wages. Agree to hold a demonstration in July against rising food prices. Agreed to do a joint meeting with the ILP to found National Housing Committee branch. 26 July 1916: When they are trying to get attendees at the demonstration the main place that they distribute bills is Pullars works. 30 July 1916: Big demonstration in Perth organised by PTC – ILP chap Hunter to address meetings. 6 September 1916: Agreed to send a resolution to the government calling for Just and Lasting peace at the earliest possible moment. Ex Baillie Allan announces his resignation who was originally run as a Labour candidate and had been elected unopposed since then. Allan claimed still to be such and a suitable replacement was to be found. Many PTC delegates called up for military service. 18 Farm Servants Union thanking Council for assistance in organising Ploughmen. 28 October 1916: When asked to confirm that he was put forward by the Workers’ Election Committee, Allan was evasive. 7 March 1917: Farm Servants Union affiliates to PTC. Big bunfight between AUCE and Councillor Bruce of the PTC who is ultimately supported. This regards a statement made in the press by Bruce in which he was alleged to have said ‘the secretary (Simpson District Organising Secretary of the AUCE) had ‘sold his brethren.’ 21 March 1917: Simpson in attendance – given 20 minutes to speak refuses citing insufficient time – refuses also to answer questions. AUCE looking to be part of PTC but threat of unions leaving if they so did – must be to do with poaching. May 2 1917: a circular from BSP with several statements – ‘it was pointed out’ it ‘was not in accordance with information possessed by members of Council.’ 25 July 1917: Newspaper clipping in this section ‘Labour Unrest in Perth’. AUCE asked to take part in the demo as a trade union which was agreed 13 to 3. 26 September 1917 Bruce resigning from the Council – great warmth towards him. 9 November 1917: Delegation from Co-operative Education Committee looking to link forces ‘for the purpose of returning men to Parliament who would represent the interests of the Workers in General.’ Lots of work with local municipal war committees such as Food Control. 14 November 1917: election of Wm Whyte President of PTC to Town Council. 28 November 1917: looking to run a Labour Party candidate in the general election. Write to the Scottish Advisory Council in this regard for help ‘as to the best method of organising the labour forces in the city.’ PTC had delivered £159/16/0 to the Dyers’ strike fund out of a total support received of £367/14/3. 25 December 1917: Special meeting with address by Ben Shaw of the Scottish Advisory Council on formation of a labour movement in Perth. PTC left to do so. So still no Labour Party in Perth. 9 January 1918: George R. Farquhar of the NUR expressed himself dissatisfied with the dilly-dallying policy of the Council’ in regard to the formation of a Labour Party. 18 January 1918: 40/80 delegates present at meeting to decide on formation of a Labour Party locally. Original motion that PTC form into a Labour Party dropped and instead agreed a separate body be formed from PTC and that PTC confer with other labour bodies in the city to that end. 6 February 1918 – look at PA. 26 June 1918: town clerk refuse use of city hall to PTC for trades demonstration. On-going issue of AUCE taking skilled workers in competition with specific trade unions such as boot and shoemakers. 21 August 1918: Labour Party seems to be running. The AUCE issue related to allowing anyone in Co-operative employment to join the union a decision opposed by the STUC and other trade and labour bodies. STUC Parliamentary Committee August 1915. 29 October 1919: Quarrymen at Newburgh on strike – 29 dismissed for attempting to join a trade union. 4 January 1920: Operating with representatives to the Labour Party and have a number of Labour Councillors including Councillor Downie who is the Secretary of PTC. 18 February 1920: Also Councillor Gowans and Councillor Rae who are on PTC. 17 March 1920: Councillor Robert Stewart. The Parish Council members are Councillor Crow, McPherson, and Glass. 4 August 1920: Mention of Councillor Traill [sic]. Discussion around big textile strike at Huntingtower etc. and a ‘General Strike’. 15 September 1920: Some dissatisfaction among Dyers’ union membership as to handling by the union of the dispute. 29 September 1920: Municipal Elections nomination of Russell, Gunn, McPherson and Rae. NUR withdraw from PTC – why? Is this a national issue – politics – look at NUR history. This forces Councillor Rae to withdraw from PTC. 13 October 1920: Russell the President to contest 2nd Ward and Alex Crow the 5th Ward. 27 October 1920: Arthur Law of the NUR adopted by the Divisional Labour Party as a parliamentary labour candidate but this does not happen. ARTICLE IN LOCAL PRESS CLAIMING THE FAILURE OF LABOUR CANDIDATES IN PERTH MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS DUE TO EXTREME SECTION OF THE PARTY. FIND PIECE. 8 December 1920 : GA strike – communication with Insurance Guild PTC to influence friends and family still working at the GA. Up to 1921.