THE UNEMPLOYED.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18926, 15 February 1927, Page 12

THE UNEMPLOYED.

TWO LEADERS DETHRONED. THAT OFFER OF £2OO. The dissatisfaction that has been apparent among the unemployed men of Christchurch since the Minister for Commerce and Industries (the Hon Mr Mcl.cod) had occasion to rebuke Mr is. H. Fournier, one of a deputation which waited on him on Friday last, was brought to a head yesterday, when a meeting of about 120 unemployed, held in Victoria square, decided to exclude Messrs Fournier and H Dunkley on the ground that their presence is detrimental to the movement to obtain assistance for those who are unable to obtain work. Mr E. L. Hills said the sooner .Mr Fournier was excluded from the movement tho sooner would it attain its object—securing work. The men wanted a man to represent them whom they appointed themselves, not a bclfappointed man, as Mr Fournier was. Mr Founder's statements to the Minister were damaging to tho movement which, if it were to attain success, wo.ild have to get rid- of him. Mr Dunkley should also be excluded. They needed men who would discuss ways and means to achieve the aims of the movement and not spend their energies on matters cioJiccrncd with Communism and Bolshevism. On tho motion to exclude Messrs Fournier and Dunkley from any discussions regarding unemployment being put to the meeting, it was carried, 23 voting in favour of it and nono against it. On being appointed as leader of tlic movement, Mr Hills 6aid that Messrs Fournier and Dunkley had been disadvantageous' to tho genuine unemployed and had jeopardised any chance tlio men had of obtaining work. While they were at the head of tho movement it had failed to get any public approval and assistance. The step just taken was a wise one as there was no doubt that with a Communistic leader, there was no chance of going forward. While supporting the caiiso of the unemployed,* Mr Fournier was at the same lime indirectly trying, the speaker believed, to cause a rift in the movement, with tho backing of the Communistic party. It was therefore necessary that Mr Fournier should quit at once, for his views were against tho best interests of the unemployed. Mr Dunkley had stated that ho was prepared to stand down, having realised that'tho public did not like his presence on the platform. Mr Dunkley agreed that in the interests of the women and children it was perhaps desirable that lie should take a spell. The chairman said that that morning Mr Dunkley and some companions had gone to Hereford street, where they had been promised a sum of £2OO by Mr McKay to assist their cause. The address was found to be that of a vacant section. Mr Dunkley stated that he- had mot Mr McKay in the street, that gentleman saying, "As soon as you open your soup kitchen I will contribute £200." A voice: We want neither his £2OO nor his soup kitchen. A motion was carried that Mr McKay be asked to send his promised

donation to the Citizens' Unemployment Commit tee. It was decided that .1 census t* taken of the unemployed as apart from tlie men registering on the Labour Bureau list and that a mass meeting bo held this week. A resolution was carried that the Trades Hall Unemployment Committee should be asked to report what propress had been made with regard to requests for relief. Mr l.uoni was elected as deputy leader and Mr Hutchinson chairman. The chairman said that there appeared to be some doubt as to whether charity or work was wanted: it was work. Mr Hutchinson offered to call at warehouses and other business premises to enquire if there were any men wanted. The meeting will he resumed at P. 30 a.m. to-day. when the leaders will submit a report. Yesterday's Registrations, yesterday 14 single men ami 10 married men with 23 dependents registered at the Government Labour Bureau, and during the day S men were placed in employment.