SLATER, ROBERT (1850-1931) was born at Lamplough, Cumberland, his father being manager of a co-operative society. Educated at the parish schools at Frizington and Cleator, he worked for some years with a stonemason, in a mine and in a grain store. He commenced business as a carrier in 1872 and in 1879 came to Otago. Finding his first employment on railway construction, he organised the workers into a union (1880). From 1883 to 1901 he was employed in Dunedin in the clothing trade. He devoted much of his life to labour organisation and was one of the founders of the Otago trades and labour council, of which he was the first president (and secretary 1890-1902). During the maritime strike Slater was organiser, secretary and treasurer of the strike defence league. In June 1890 he discussed with J. A. Millar the establishment of a labour day demonstration in Dunedin; and after much opposition the first celebration was held there, resulting in a profit of £200 to help the miners at Denniston, who were then on strike. Slater was president and local secretary of the demonstration for some years. He represented the pressers at the conference held in 1908 to consider further organisation of unions and the drafting of rules for the trades council. He represented the workers on the Arbitration Court from 1896 to 1907, when he retired. For many years Slater was president and secretary of the Workers' Political committee. He was on the organising committee of the Dunedin tailoresses' union, which resulted from the revelations of the sweating inquiry. Slater was a strong Methodist and acted as a local preacher in Timaru and Dunedin circuits. He died on 15 Jul 1931.

Paul, Trades Unionism; N.Z. Methodist Times, Aug 1931; Otago Daily Times, 16 Jul 1931.

Reference: Volume 2, page 157

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