UNION AND PARTY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 197, 20 August 1943, Page 2

UNION AND PARTY

In reply to Mr. .G. I. Blacker I would like to point out that he is not compelled to belong to the Labour party, but is compelled to belong to the New Zealand Workers' Union as he is at present employed by the State Housing Construction Department. When I sell a union tjcket to a member I issue a membership ticket of our organisation, not a ticket to the Labour party, as that party's membership is voluntary and also particular as to the credentials of any prospective member. As to "industrial bouncers and hangers on," Mr. Blacker is not beyond ■asking for their assistance, and he, himself, allowed his name to appear on the ballot slip last year for apparently such a job. As he was turned down he now appears sore. As regards his being a recipient of a ballot paper to vote in a Labour candidate, why does not Mr. Blacker state that, knowing he belonged to a Democratic organisation who bars no member for his political views, he was supplied with a ballot paper only because he wrote in to his union office asking that the official slip be forwarded to him so that he could exercise his vote. church _

Mr Blacker states that he is, at the present time, a member of one of the largest industrial unions in New Zealand and that he is declared by them to be a member of the New Zealand Labour party, even to the extent of being the recipient of a ballot paper relative to the selection of an official Labour candidate. 1 wish to deny both these statements. Mr. Blacker, by being a member of the union, is not compelled or asked to vote for the Labour party, and as far as being a recipient of a ballot paper is concerned, he wrote to the union on July 23, 1943, asking them to procure a ballot paper for him. His letter'' was handed on 'to the Federation of Labour and this union is unaware whether Mr. Blacker received a ballot-paper or not. Mr. Blacker also states that he is compelled by law to become a member or the New Zealand Labour party, and by his contributions to the union to assist that party. This is contrary to fact. As to his contributions through the union, to the Labour party, it is only fair that the public should know that Mr. Blacker contributes the princely sum of 1/ per year. W. HARNETT.