FREEZING WORKS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 115, 25 February 1937, Page 6

FREEZING WORKS

ORGANISATION OF INDUSTRY. ADVOCACY BY EMPLOYEES, DEPUTATION TO MINISTER.

(Per Press Association.! LNVERCARGILL, February 24

A suggestion that the time was opportune for reorganisation of the freezincr industry throughout New Zealau wa°s made by Mr S. Harland, a member of a deputation of freezing workers who waited on the Minister for Labour (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong) to-day. Ho said the majority of the men desired a larger organisation and a South Island union was suggested. There was a minority of men m eacH shed who favoured resuscitation ot the old Southland and Canterbury unions, but he was sure that the interests • oi the majority should be met. t was desired that the Minister should provide for a ballot on the question. Registration of the Ocean Beach and Balclutha unions had been granted, but they found that these had insufficient power. What was required was a stronger organisation of all South island workers. The men were squabbling among themselves, and it was desired that they should have an opportunity to become united. The Minister said tlie Government was in an impossible position. Unions had been registered and established by law before the Government came into 6ffice. The Government was not responsible for their existence. He iac tried as far as possible to unite the industry and have the hatchet buried. It was not customary for the Labour Department to take a ballot. Provision was made by the law for the settlement of differences. However, lie was anxir ous for unity in New Zealand, and he would work for that object, but lie was not suro what lie could do to bung about the objective of the deputation. The Government would try to do something and, if necessary, the department would even take a ballot.