Papers related to the Building Trades Unions’ Conference, 14 - 15 Dec 1940, Wellington.
Scope and Contents
They comprise papers collected by him during the years he was involved with the Federation and in consequence should not be regarded as a complete set of the Federation’s records. In particular, their sudden termination in 1943 probably reflects the end of McAra’s association with the Federation and his non-association with the new organisation formed on the period 1943 – 1945. This collection should be considered in conjunction with MSS & Archives D-10: Wilfred (Bill) McAra, papers relating to the Building Investigations Committee of the Wellington Branch of the Carpenters Union and MSS & Archives D-11: Wilfred (Bill) McAra papers relating to the building industry in New Zealand, as the three collections overlap chronologically and cover McAra’s involvement a series of interwoven events surrounding the Building and Allied Trades Federation.
It is interesting to note that on an early sample of the Federation’s letterhead McAra’s residential address, 13 Yale Rd, Wellington is given as the organisation’s mailing address.
Dates
- 1939 - 1945
Creator
- From the Collection: McAra, W (Wilfred) (Person)
- From the Collection: New Zealand Building and Allied Trades Federation (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
Not restricted.
Biographical / Historical
In early 1940, Patrick Webb, the Minister of Labour was approached by the Master Builders’ Association requesting, among other things, the extension of the 40 hour week. Webb refused but contacted the National Council of the Carpenters’ union, requesting proposals for the speeding up of housing production. Webb’s request was in turn handed over to the Building Trades Federation which convened a conference/meeting of 29 delegates to discuss the matter. At the conference a split developed between the Federations delegates and representatives of the Labourers’ Federation, Mr Thurston of the Christchurch Electricians’ Union and Mr Campbell the Auckland Building Trades representative. The latter published a minority report accusing a (communist) clique in the Federation of trying to exploit the situation, and of not co-operating in a realistic manner with the Government.
Extent
From the Collection: 0.2 metres (2 boxes)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections, University of Auckland Repository
5 Alfred Street
Private Bag 92019
Auckland 1142 New Zealand
specialcollections@auckland.ac.nz