PUBLIC MEETING OF OPERATIVES. 1854

The Sydney Morning Herald

27 June 1854

PUBLIC MEETING OF OPERATIVES.

ON Saturday evening last, pursuant to notice in the, daily journals, a public meeting of operatives took place in the theater of the school of Arts.

Notwithstanding the inclemency of the Weather the attendance was numerous, and the feeling manifested throughout exceedingly enthusiastic.

Shortly after the time appointed for meeting Mr. John E. Leathem -was called to the chair, and briefly opened the proceedings by reading the advertisement and explaining the object for which the meeting had been called, which was, to establish a " Weekly Newspaper, to be the organ of the working classes in- 'the cause of progress." It was proposed to accomplish.

'This object by means of a regularly organized company, the capital of which should be at least £2500, in 500 shares of £1 each. 

The chairman expressed his opinion that the time had arrived when the working classes should have an organ devoted exclusively to the conservation of their peculiar interests and privileges.

If they looked around them they would see that every interest in the colony was represented in the press, with the exception of the Operatives! 

The Chamber of Commerce for instance had its interests represented in both the daily papers, and even Captain Towns and the Coolies were not without advocates in, the same quarter.

The SECRETARY then read the prospectus of the Company, which sets forth the following principles, as those upon which" The Operative” newspaper will be conducted:

“Among the absolute necessities of the Age which custom has elevated to an imperative want, is its representative Press.

Every sect, society, or .class, possessing the remotest claim to notice, has its organ to chronicle its progress and develop its views.

The Fourth Estate is by common consent the acknowledged exponent of the Englishman's thoughts, the anticipator of his wishes, and the safeguard of his liberties.

In this belief, and with the full conviction that the time has at length arrived when the position of the Labourer is such as to need and demand an able and vigorous advocacy by means of the Press, a number of Working Men have been induced to co-operate for the purpose of publishing a weekly newspaper, to be entitled "THE OPERATIVE'''.; the object of which' will be to elevate the thoughts, advance the interests, and conserve the privileges of the working classes.

It will be conducted by gentlemen whose experience or position will eminently qualify them for the task, and will aim at being the truthful exponent of the labourer's wrongs, and the uncompromising assessor of his rights.

Its columns will be open to the free discussion of all disputed questions, and to the canvassing of practical suggestions on Social Reform; the conductors believing that such a feature will greatly assist in bringing about a better understanding between parties heretofore adverse, and with it a fraternity of feeling, uniting all in a common cause: a desideratum that would give to the principle of Progress a healthier existence than it has ever yet enjoyed.

From week to week its columns will contain faithful and well-digested record of events as they arise in the mercantile and commercial world, with independent and original criticisms on everything industrial at home and abroad. Its tone will be bold and fearless on all questions, rendering ' justice to whom justice is due,' and unflinchingly exposing the delinquencies and shortcomings of the age.

Every exertion will be used on the part of the conductors to render the journal worthy of the cause of which it will seek to be the organ and champion, resting assured that the public will appreciate and support their efforts, if sincerely and rightly directed.

The paper will be equal in size to any published in the colonies, and printed in the first style of the art from new type selected with taste and judgement expressly for this purpose."

Mr. CROSHY moved the first resolution, -which was simply an expression of opinion that the time had arrived when a newspaper, such as was proposed, should be established.

He considered the proposition so self-evident, as to require no argument to enforce it.

He then proceeded to show that the production of a well conducted weekly newspaper, devoted to the interests of the working classes, would not only   than anything else to conserve their privileges as citizens and colonists, but it would tend greatly to eradicate the sources of that vice and crime with which the criminal records of the colony at present teemed.

"What they wanted was a really popular Journal, conducted by persons who understood their interests, and in whom they could place confidence-a journal which would appeal to their best sympathies, and strive to elevate their tastes.

It must be borne in mind that, in this colony, they had nothing like national literature, and in the absence of such an important desideratum, he knew of no other medium through which the blessings of literature could be so well supplied as that of a really popular and judiciously conducted newspaper.

The journals already in existence appeared to him to have but one object in view, and that was to encourage the competitive principle to sharpen the intellect of people, not for any truly moral or philosophical purpose, but in order the better to qualify sham in the art of over calculating, lying, cheating.

 The colonial press was a mere commercial speculation, caring nothing for the operative interests, and conserving only those rules of competition by which it lived. 

The speaker next proceeded to state that the present movement had its origin in the late unfortunate dispute which took place between the men and the superintendent of the Government printing establishment.

The circumstances of that case were of such a nature as to make the want of a working men's organ more immediately and more deeply felt.

He was induced at once to look at the fields now occupied by the colonial press, and the result was that he fancied he could see one green spot which as yet had not been occupied by any journal.

It was to this spot that he now directed their attention as affording most eligible opportunity for the establishment of a journal which they might sincerely and truly call their own.

He was glad to say that a very general disposition had been manifested to favour the project now laid before them; and, as a proof, he need only state, that the first 100 shares of £5 each had been taken before he joined.

In the first instance, it was proposed to make the paper a mere record for chronicling the progress and the statistics of the various trades, but since then it had been deemed advisable to enlarge the design so as to comprehend literature in general, and to afford a fair field for the discussion of all kinds of grievances connected with the "different trades. 

Although the Society was originated by persons connected with the printing art, he wished it to be distinctly understood that all other trades and all other operatives were invited to partake equally of its benefits.

There were many important questions besides that of coolie immigration in which they were deeply interested, and in the settlement of which they might exercise a very perceptible effect, had" they a suitable organ to express their opinions.

 The speaker then alluded to the beneficial consequences which had arisen from co-operation among the trades in France and England and many other parts of the old world, and concluded by urging on the meeting the necessity of taking advantage of their present prosperity to establish a newspaper in which their interests would be fully and fairly represented.

The market was now in the hands of the operatives, and unless they availed themselves of this fortunate crisis, a time of depression might come when they would regret the golden opportunities thus idly passed by.

Mr. JACKSON seconded the resolution, and in doing so, took occasion to remind the operatives of Sydney that there was a certain class in the colony bent upon effecting their ruin, and unless they combined to resist their oppressors the most disastrous consequences might ensue.

Their efforts at first, in establishing the kind of paper proposed, might be comparatively in-significant, but he had no doubt the time would yet arrive when those who now sneered at the under-taking would be glad to lend their co-operation to it.

Mr. LYNCH, a mason by trade, supported the resolution, and animadverted in strong language on the conduct of Captain Towns, in reference to Coolie immigration.

The resolution was then put, and carried unanimously.

Mr. CARLISLE moved the next resolution v'iz." That this meeting pledges itself to afford every support and co-operation towards the establishment of the “Operative." He congratulated the meeting on the excellence of the project which they were met to consider, and expressed, a hope that before long he would have the pleasure of seeing a paper established in this colony which would occupy the position of the Leader in the mother country, one of the most enlightened and liberal journals in the world.

Australia had at present no real history, but at some" future period, when perhaps an Australian Macaulay might arise to write the history of his country, where would be found the materials.

Why, in searching the journals of the colony, the only record of events, extending perhaps over two or three hundred years, he would find every class fully represented with the exception of the operatives, of whose position at the present time no information Whatever would be obtainable.

Now, they wanted a journal which would supply this desideratum, and exercise a beneficial influence in restraining the merchants, squatters, &c, into whose hands the whole legislative influence of the colony had fallen. He then attacked the Herald and Englishman, the latter of which journals he characterized as a complete burlesque on the press.

The former he stigmatized as the organ of the aristocracy; and in support of the allegation, he informed the meeting that he had written several letters to the Herald, which the editor was foolish enough to throw under the table.

Mr. GALBRAITH seconded the motion, and endeavored to impress on the meeting the wisdom of the maxim embodied in the bundle of sticks. If all trades combined together to support this enterprise-and certainly there was every reason to augur favorably from the numbers and cordiality of the present meeting he could have No fear for the result. Mr. G. then proceeded to comment on the designs of the higher classes.

As he happened to be one of the medical officers under the Government attending the gaol, he might very possibly be risking his situation in thus openly expressing his opinion.

But if he were dismissed, he was certain that the masons and the members of the other trades, who were now enjoying such prosperity, would not see him want.

He next pointed out that all those who were favourable to the project might give it their support in some shape or other.

If they could not afford to become shareholders, they could at least become subscribers. He also proceeded to show that one of the best things they could do for the working classes would be to form a Gas Consumers' Company, for the purpose of bringing down the price of gas.

In conclusion, he expressed his admiration of that provision in the prospectus which prevented any one shareholder from holding more than ten shares in the paper.

In answer to it question, Mr. Crosby said the Company would be subject only to a limited liability, as legalised by a recent Act of Council.

A lengthy conversation then ensued as to whether the shares, in order to enlist the interested co-operation of a larger number of persons should not be reduced from £5 to £1.

The general impression of the meeting appeared to be in favour of the latter, and Mr. Crosby, in behalf of his fellow-directors, guaranteed that the matter should be duly considered, and suggested that the meeting might be adjourned until Wednesday evening next, or such other evening as might be hereafter announced by advertisement, when the result of the Directors’ deliberations could be placed before them, and some definite conclusion arrived at.

I this arrangement was eventually agreed to; and all vote of thanks having been given to the Chairman, the meeting separated.