[Trade Journal]
Publication: Proceedings of the Glass Bottle Blowers Association of the United States and Canada Thirtieth Annual Session
Camden, NJ, United States
vol. 30, p. 3,10-12,14-17,23-24,56-59,99,164-167,259,284-286.., col. 1
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
THIRTIETH ANNUAL CONVENTION
OF THE
Glass Bottle Blowers’ Association
HELD AT
ATLANTIC CITY, N. J.
ATLANTIC CITY, N. J., July 9th, 1906.
The Thirtieth Annual Convention of the Glass Bottle Blowers’ Association of the United States and Canada was called to order at 9.30 this morning, in the I. O. O. F. Hall, by the President, D. A. Hayes in the chair.
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REPRESENTATIVES
Branch No. 1, Pittsburg, Pa., Henry Hirsh, Gebhart Saliner, L. W. Prophater, Theo. Huber.
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Branch No. 18, Montreal, Can., Patrick E. Whelan, Jeremiah Murphy.
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Branch No. 30, Denver, Col., Theo. J. Jaggers.
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Branch No. 52, Brooklyn, N. Y., Richard Brereton.
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Branch No. 66, Toronto, Can., John F. Malcomson, Geo. A. Lawson.
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Branch No. 70, Wallaceburg, Ont., Marshall Quinn, H. H. Simmerman.
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President D. A. Hayes then read his annual report. This was an able document; it contained many suggestions and recommendations which are valuable to every member of this Association, and which we hope will be read by every member of our trade.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
ATLANTIC CITY, N. J., July 9th, 1906.
To All Officers and Delegates of the Glass Bottle Blowers' Association of the United States and Canada in Convention Assembled.
BRETHREN: — In presenting to you my report of conditions and happenings during the season of 1905 and ‘06, I am reminded that this is the tenth annual report I have had the honor of submitting as President of this Association, and as in retrospect the events of these ten years pass before me — the difficulties we have met and overcome, the numbers we have gained and the general prosperity that has attended our trade, I feel that we, as an Association, have reason not only to be proud of our past, but to look forward to the future with confidence. It is true that the problems with which this convention has to deal are serious and complicated ones, involving not only our present prospects but our future wellbeing, both as individuals and as an organization; but if realizing the responsibility that rests upon us, we bring to our councils high purposes, calm judgment and the light of experience, we shall, I believe, be able to formulate plans and lay the foundations for continued prosperity. In preparing these foundations we may have to uproot many old prejudices, perhaps, even some cherished ideas and customs; but, bearing in mind that we are building not only for the present but for the future — to perpetuate our organization and find work for its members, no matter what changes may arise in surrounding conditions and methods of manufacture — we shall feel that the object to be attained is worth working for, worth waiting for, worth making sacrifices for, and I have faith that this Association will prove master of its fate and continue to control the bottle industry through all time and change.
I feel too, that this is a time when as trade unionists we should endeavor to show to the world that the labor movement stands for something besides raising and upholding wages; that the term brother as used among us is not an empty name. Recent disclosures concerning organized and corrupting capital have startled not only this country but the entire civilized world. Capital and its methods are being questioned and criticised as never before. This, it seems to me, must undoubtedly, react favorably upon the labor movement, tending to strengthen our claims against that form of capital which is oppressive, lessen prejudice against us, and give us a wider and more sympathetic hearing when we present these claims. To my mind, this is labor’s opportunity and we should grasp and use it to the full. All that is necessary is for us to live up to the principles which we profess, and in contrast with the sordid, selfish showing made by the money-power, trade unionism will stand forth as a light in a dark place.
Brethren, we as a division of the great army of organized labor must do our part toward upholding its present high standards. Let us see to it then, that in our deliberations in this convention the universal brotherhood of man is not lost sight of, and in framing measures to advance and protect the interests of the many, let us not forget nor overlook the interests of the few who, by reason of adverse circumstances or advancing years, are unfitted to keep pace with the younger and more vigorous element, yet who, nevertheless, are our brothers and need, more than all others, the protection of this Association.
In extending to you greeting and cordial welcome to this convention, it affords me pleasure to say that we have more delegates this year than ever before, and numerically, financially and morally, our Organization is stronger to-day than at any former time in its history. The season just closed was unusually favorable. Last February when several firms making Flint bottles decided to reduce the number of workmen for the purpose of curtailing production, every man laid off was soon thereafter employed. There were few idle men last season and less than in previous years. Another incident worth noting was the absence of local strikes; misunderstandings that might ’formerly have led to strikes or controversies were amicably adjusted, and with little expense, by insisting upon a policy which we have adopted — that both sides, workmen and employer, first submit the evidence or their side of the case. That these settlements have been satisfactory is shown by the fact that but very rarely has there been an appeal made from our decisions, either to the annual conventions or wage conferences.
The questions to which I have given most space and attention in this report, are not new; but they are taking on new forms that stand in closer proximity than ever before, and it is because of this that I ask for them your close attention.
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PRESS AND MACHINERY.
In 1898 machinery for making fruit jars and other wide mouth ware was first installed in factories under our jurisdiction. Previously we had little acquaintance with this method of manufacture; while the number of machines have since increased, we have, by carefully studying the question and the adoption of a conservative policy, been enabled to see the men employed in this department making exceptionally good wages, and none are more deserving. Each year the influence of our Union over this kind of work becomes greater, as indicated by the following table of statistics:
PLACES IN THE TRADE WHERE MACHINES ARE
BEING OPERATED.
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Montreal — Seven machines. Two bottle machines, making 2 to 10 ounce wide mouth ware. Average wages per day for presser $6.00; gatherer $4.50. One fruit jar machine. Average wages per day $6.00. Three finishing machines. One insulator machine.
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Toronto — Nine machines. Three bottle machines, making milk jars, pickles, vaselines, mustards and lantern globes. Average wages per day $6.00. Two pint jar machines. Four finishing machines.
Wallaceburg — Four machines. Two bottle machines making inks, vaselines, mustards and round pickle bottles. One machine on fruit jars and lantern globes. One automatic machine making jellies. Average wages per day for presser $6.00; gatherer $4.00.
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THE EARTHQUAKE AT SAN FRANCISCO.
This disaster, with its far-reaching consequences in the way of suffering, loss, and death, will be noted as one of the saddest events in the history of the early part of the twentieth century. The distress it brought to our members there, and the prompt manner in which it was relieved by our Association, make it important that I include herein a record of the amount of money sent with all other necessary information:
On the 18th of April, 1906, the people of this country were appalled by the sad intelligence that San Francisco had been destroyed by earthquake and fire. What was known as the City of the Golden Gate had suddenly become a City of Annihilation, and, owing to the fact that for a few days it was impossible to find out the extent of the suffering and loss of life occasioned by the calamity, makes it impossible to describe the feelings of suspense and anxiety experienced by those who had friends or relatives there.
We immediately wired Brother Christian Andersen, Secretary of Branch No. 22, asking him to telegraph if we could do anything for our members, and expressing the heartfelt sympathy of the Organization for those who were suffering or in distress. After waiting a few days and getting no reply I sent the following telegram to the Executive Board:
“So far, unable to get any reply from ’Frisco, but, in case of death or great distress among members, would you favor sending $5,000? Wire answer.”
On Monday, the 23d, we received a message dated at Oakland, California, April 20th, stating that the city was ruined. Two hundred blowers and their families in extreme distress. They asked us to kindly help them at once. It was signed by the following committee:
JAMES BEEGAN, GEORGE ROBERTS,
WILLIAM VIXSON, WILLIAM BURK,
WILLIAM STEVENS, E. GLUNT.
Secretary Launer and myself immediately undertook to wire money to this committee, but found that none of the telegraph companies or banks in Philadelphia would accept it to be sent in that way, as no provision could be made at the other end of the line for its payment. We thereupon forwarded a draft for $10,000, payable to three members of said committee, namely:
………JAMES BEEGAN, GEORGE ROBERTS, WILLIAM BURK.
We heard nothing further until the 26th inst., when a telegram was received from Oakland dated April 22, sent by the same committee through William D. Sanborn, an agent for the Burlington road, to the effect that Branch No. 22 wanted us to furnish transportation for all destitute glassblowers to Eastern points, and if we would allow said railway to draw on our Association for amount required to answer quick. We telegraphed for more definite information as to the number who desired to come East, etc., but realizing that it would be at least three days before we could get a reply even by wire, we advised the Burlington agent to furnish transportation for as many of our members as the committee desired to send East.
On the 25th inst. a telegram was received from Brother James Halton, Secretary of the Branch at Denver, stating that seventy-five blowers and their families would arrive in that city on the following Friday, destitute and without food, and that money would be instantly required to relieve their distress. We wired him $2,000, with instructions to supply such families with all necessities and write us particulars.
On Saturday, April 28th, we received a telegram from Brother Chas. Roberts, of San Francisco, stating that twenty-seven more blowers and their families would arrive in Denver the following Sunday, penniless, and desired us to have representatives there with financial assistance to relieve them. This was also done.
On May 3d Edward Neary, Secretary of Branch No. 81, at Chicago Heights, wired that members with families were landing daily from ’Frisco and believed they were to be assisted to Eastern points. Branch treasury was exhausted and asking us for immediate help.
We believed that the assurance given the railway company concerning payment of transportation for all members whom the committee desired to send East was sufficient to carry such members to their homes or places where employment could be secured, and that they would be furnished with sufficient money to buy food by our Branch at Denver. Later we learned that only a part of this money was used, sufficient to sustain the men and their families until they reached Chicago, the balance of the $2,000 being returned to this office by Brother James Halton. Hence, we reimbursed the Branch at Chicago Heights to the extent of $78.00, the amount it had spent for relief.
The consent and approval of the Executive Board was unanimously given to our sending the amounts of money herein stated.
On April 30th, Secretary Andersen wrote, saying he had just learned that the homes of one hundred and ten of our members had been completely destroyed by fire.
Previous to the earthquake the factories in San Francisco had been in steady operation and our members were doing well. Now, according to the amount of money sent to relieve those in the city at the time, and transportation being furnished for those who desired to come East with means of relief en route, and especially in view of the fact that work was plentiful, your officers believed that none of the money forwarded should be given to any excepting those who were there at the time of the disaster and remained until the end of the season, or until this Convention has had an opportunity to pass upon the entire matter.
The total amount of money sent by the National Association to date is $19,665.90. All the telegrams, bills, etc., passing between the Branch, the brothers referred to and the railway company will be given to a special committee, in order that they may review the same and report to this Convention.
Branch Number 22 is one of the oldest in the trade and has gone through several hard struggles to establish and maintain an Organization. Never until the earthquake has it asked for, or received, any assistance from our National Union, and should further aid be necessary, I feel sure our members will not be found wanting in supplying the same.
With other trades unions we have shown to the world that in time of trouble or great distress the heart of organized labor is warm and eager to help. Our sympathy is practical and it has been proven upon more than one occasion that the fraternity of labor does not consist of idle words or empty phrases, because in spite of distance it has relieved the needy and succored the unfortunate in their hour of trial.
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SECRETARY'S REPORT.
ATLANTIC CITY, N. J., July 9th, 1906.
To the President, Vice President, Officers and Representatives of the Glass Bottle Blowers' Association of the United States and Canada, in the Thirtieth Annual Convention Assembled.
GREETING: — As National Secretary of this Association, I desire to submit to you the following as my report of the amount of money received from July 1ST, 1905 to July 1ST, 1906, to wit: —
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The Special Committee appointed on San Francisco, Cal., relief submitted the following as their report:
ATLANTIC CITY, N. J., July 16, 1906.
To the Officers and Representatives of the Glass Bottle Blowers’ Association of the United States and Canada:
GREETING: — We, the San Francisco Relief Committee, beg leave to submit to you the following report:
That after a careful investigation, we find all moneys accounted for and sincerely believe that every cent went to a good cause.
All bank checks corresponded with the moneys which was sent from our National Officers. We heartily endorse the action of our National Officers in the action they have taken in behalf of our members in the San Francisco disaster, and
WREREAS [sic] WHEREAS, That over 100 of our members and their families are still in destitute circumstances, we recommend that our incoming officers be given power to assist our members and their families to the extent of their needs until such a time as they can take care of themselves. And that all moneys be paid through a committee appointed by our National President. That as appeals have been made by some of our brothers, who came East before the relief fund arrived at San Francisco, we recommend that said brothers do not participate in this fund. This means the last $10,000 sent.
The following is the financial statement up to the present time:
Received from our National head................................. $15,000 00
Received from Branch No. 2, Alton, Ill........................ 212 50
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Total from that resource.................................... $15,212 50
Paid for transportation by National Officers................ $3,971 90
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Total................................................................. $19,184 00
Sent to Branch No. 30, Denver, Col., for relief $2,000 00
Total................................................................. $21,184 00
Money expended by Branch No. 30, $616.00
Money returned by Branch No. 30............................ 1,384 00
Making a grand total paid out for the relief of ___________
our destitute members and their families........... $19,800 00
We recommend that action be taken at once by the Convention in behalf of our destitute members in San Francisco, and if financial assistance is rendered we recommend that Thomas W. Joyce receive pro ratio from the same relief fund.
(signed)
JAMES BEEGAN, Chairman.
MICHAEL CAIN,
JOSEPH ENGOMAR, JR.,
ALBERT WHITE,
JOHN M. HOPE,
I. H. MCDOWELL,
JOHN MCCANN,
P. N. CARLL,
CLEM. FISHER, Secretary.
It was moved that the report of the Committee on San Francisco Relief be received and the recommendations of the committee be taken up seriatum. Carried.
The first recommendation was then taken up and adopted. Moved that further consideration by the rule of seriatum be discontinued and the report of the committee adopted as a whole. Carried.
Brother James Beegan then, in behalf of the delegates of Branch No. 22, returned his sincere gratitude and thanks to the Association for the loyal support given Branch No. 22 and its members in San Francisco, Cal., in the recent calamity in that city.
Moved that this Convention extend its thanks to Brothers James Beegan, George Roberts and William Burk for the able manner in which they handled the affairs of this Association during the earthquake and fire at San Francisco, Cal., in April last, which was unanimously adopted.
Moved that this Convention also extend its thanks to Branch No. 30, at Denver, Col., for the assistance given our members on their way East from San Francisco, Cal., and for the interest and support given Brother Thomas W. Joyce, which was unanimously adopted.
The Price List Committee proceeded to make their report relative to the beer bottles presented by Branch No. 1, of Pittsburg, Pa.
Moved that the report of the Price List Committee be not concurred in. After some discussion, the motion was lost.
Price List Committee made some change in Monarch Whiskeys.
Moved as a substitute that the present price remain on Monarch Whiskeys for the report of the Price List Committee. Carried.
Price List Committee concurred in the action of the May Conference relative to Dalamand, Cream Rye.
It was then moved that the report of the Price List Committee be adopted. Carried.
The hour of 12 having arrived, while the Price List Committee had the floor, the President declared a recess until 2.30 P. M.
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General Cash Account.
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Branch No. 18, MONTREAL, CAN.
INCOME.
1905.
July 10. By trade assessment ...................................... $ 41 25
10. " death assessment ....................................... 61 25
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Quarter ending Sept. 30, 1905............... $ 102 50
Oct. 30. By trade assessment...................................... $ 54 00
Nov. 17. " trade assessment........................................... 42 00
17. " death assessment........................................ 44 25
Dec. 8. " death assessment........................................... 86 00
8. " trade assessment............................................ 39 00
Dec. 18. " trade assessment........................................... 42 00
18. " death assessment........................................... 73 00
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Quarter ending Dec. 31, 1905............... $ 380 25
1906.
Jan. 6. By death assessment.........................................$ 53 00
6. " trade assessment............................................. 77 00
20. " trade assessment............................................. 63 00
20. " national fines.................................................. 3 00
20. " death assessment........................................... 148 00
Feb. 3. " death assessment........................................... 68 00
3. " trade assessment............................................. 60 00
12. " death assessment............................................. 83 00
21. " trade assessment............................................ 50 00
Mar. 6. " death assessment........................................... 84 00
6. " trade assessment........................................... 26 30
10. " death assessment........................................... 49 00
19. " trade assessment............................................ 92 00
19. " trade assessment.............................................. 44 00
31. " trade assessment............................................ 144 15
31. " trade assessment.............................................. 30 15
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Quarter ending Mar. 31, 1906............... $ 1,074 60
April 9. By trade assessment.......................................$ 100 00
16. " trade assessment............................................. 98 00
May 8. " trade assessment............................................ 97 00
8. " death assessment........................................ 120 00
8. " national loans................................................. 92 05
17. " trade assessment............................................ 76 00
23. " death assessment............................................ 62 25
June 11. " trade assessment......................................... 139 00
25. " death assessment............................................ 54 00
30. " death assessment............................................ 83 00
30. " trade assessment........................................... 50 00
30. " national loans............................................... 50 00
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Quarter ending June 30, 1906............... $ 1,060 10
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Branch No. 30, DENVER, COL.
INCOME.
1905.
July 10. By trade assessment ................................... $ 20 10
10. " death assessment .................................... 27 60
Sept. 9. " death assessment .................................... 2 40
9. " death assessment .................................... 90
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Quarter ending Sept. 30, 1905............... $ 51 00
Oct. 6. By trade assessment...................................... $ 11 95
21. " trade assessment.......................................... 14 45
21. " death assessment......................................... 21 60
Nov. 4. " death assessment........................................... 20 25
4. " trade assessment........................................... 18 50
18. " trade assessment.......................................... 20 20
Dec. 2. " trade assessment........................................... 17 40
2. " death assessment............................................. 25 20
8. " death assessment............................................. 9 60
18. " death assessment.............................................. 1 20
18. " trade assessment............................................. 16 80
30. " trade assessment............................................. 18 40
30. " death assessment............................................. 27 00
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Quarter ending Dec. 31, 1905............... $ 225 55
1906.
Jan. 13. By trade assessment.........................................$ 14 75
13. " death assessment.............................................. 90
30. " death assessment.............................................. 59 40
30. " trade assessment............................................... 21 10
Feb. 12. " supplies.......................................................... 15
12. " trade assessment.............................................. 23 55
12. " death assessment............................................... 9 60
26. " death assessment............................................ 49 80
26. " trade assessment............................................. 23 05
Mar. 10. " supplies............................................................ 30
10. " trade assessment........................................... 34 40
10. " death assessment.............................................. 4 80
24. " death assessment............................................ 48 60
24. " trade assessment............................................... 48 35
24. " national fine..................................................... 1 00
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Quarter ending Mar. 31, 1906............... $ 339 75
April 9. By trade assessment.......................................$ 100 00
16. " trade assessment............................................. 98 00
May 8. " trade assessment............................................. 97 00
8. " death assessment........................................ 120 00
8. " national loans................................................. 92 05
17. " trade assessment............................................ 76 00
23. " death assessment............................................ 62 25
June 19. " trade assessment........................................... 33 80
19. " death assessment............................................ 3 60
22. " relief money San Francisco
sufferers returned................................... 1,384 00
30. " trade assessment............................................ 34 10
30. " death assessment............................................. 32 40
30. " death assessment........................................... 18 90
30. " trade assessment........................................... 6 53
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Quarter ending June 30, 1906............... $ 1,774 58
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Branch No. 52, BROOKLYN, N.Y.
INCOME.
1905.
Oct. 27. By trade assessment .................................... $ 72 85
27. " death assessment .................................... 66 15
Dec. 4. " trade assessment .................................... 60 00
4. " trade assessment .................................... 64 80
19. " trade assessment .................................... 62 80
19. " death assessment .................................... 43 20
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Quarter ending Dec. 31, 1905............... $ 369 80
1906.
Jan. 30 By death assessment.................................... $ 90 00
21, " trade assessment.......................................... 74 00
Mar. 31, " death assessment........................................ 140 00
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Quarter ending March 31, 1906............... $ 304 00
April 17. By trade assessment....................................... 108 69
17. " trade assessment........................................ 57 60
May 8. " death assessment.......................................... 73 05
8. " trade assessment.......................................... 159 95
12. " trade assessment.......................................... 100 80
12. " death assessment........................................... 43 20
June 15. " death assessment.......................................... 43 20
15, " trade assessment........................................... 62 00
26, " trade assessment........................................... 99 65
30, " death assessment........................................... 27 00
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Quarter ending June 30, 1906............... $ 748 14
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Branch No. 66, TORONTO, CAN.
INCOME.
1905.
July 26. By trade assessment ...................................... $ 82 40
26. " death assessment ....................................... 92 40
26. " supplies ....................................................... 50
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Quarter ending Sept. 30, 1905................ $ 175 30
Nov. 17. By trade assessment..................................... $37 80
17. " death assessment........................................ 75 60
Dec. 8. " death assessment........................................... 67 20
8. " trade assessment............................................ 54 85
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Quarter ending Dec. 31, 1905............... $ 235 45
1906.
Jan. 13. By trade assessment......................................... $ 78 20
13. " death assessment............................................. 58 50
Feb. 12. " death assessment............................................. 116 25
12. " trade assessment............................................... 3 00
Mar. 9 " death assessment........................................... 76 80
9. " death assessment.......................................... 100 50
9. " trade assessment............................................ 26 30
9. " supplies............................................................. 35
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Quarter ending Mar. 31, 1906............... $ 538 70
April 12. By death assessment....................................... $ 85 20
12. " trade assessment............................................ 159 10
12. " supplies.............................................................. 50
May 8. " supplies................................................................ 30
8. " trade assessment............................................. 157 40
8. " death assessment............................................ 118 80
June 5. " death assessment............................................ 64 80
11. " trade assessment......................................... 159 80
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Quarter ending June 30, 1906............... $ 1,060 10
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Branch No. 70, WALLACEBURG, CAN.
INCOME.
1905.
Sept. 26. By supplies ................................................. $ 25
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Quarter ending Sept. 30, 1905................ $ 25
Oct. 11. By trade assessment..................................... $40 18
Nov. 4. " death assessment........................................... 62 10
6. " supplies....................................................... 25
10. " death assessment........................................ 42 00
24. " death assessment........................................ 56 40
30. " trade assessment........................................ 60 24
Dec. 6. " trade assessment........................................... 58 95
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Quarter ending Dec. 31, 1905............... $ 320 12
1906.
Jan. 5. By death assessment......................................... $ 46 80
25. " trade assessment............................................. 60 23
25. " supplies ......................................................... 60 23
Feb. 3. " trade assessment............................................. 102 60
17. " trade assessment............................................... 59 63
17. " supplies ......................................................... 50
Mar. 2 " national fines................................................. 2 00
2. " death assessment.......................................... 85 50
19. " trade assessment............................................ 63 59
29. " death assessment.......................................... 64 80
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Quarter ending Mar. 31, 1906............... $ 485 95
April 21. By trade assessment....................................... $ 140 24
May 7. " death assessment............................................ 107 25
May 14. " trade assessment............................................ 157 06
24. " death assessment............................................. 60 30
June 11. " trade assessment............................................ 157 24
19. " death assessment......................................... 49 50
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Quarter ending June 30, 1906............... $ 671 59
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