TIMARU FIREMAN RESIGNS

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25732, 18 February 1949, Page 8

TIMARU FIREMAN RESIGNS

“FORCED TO JOIN UNION ” From Our Own Reporter TIMARU, February 27. Mr S. A. Watt has resigned from the Timaru Fire Brigade, after nearly 31 years’ service. In a letter to the Timaru Fire Board, received to-day. Mr Watj said that he was resigning because of his being forced to join the union, “which I am not in agreement with.” The letter was dated December 30. and Mr Watt asked that his resignation take effect from December 31. As his. service was a few months short of 31 years he asked that the board allow him to continue as a voluntary member, without any remuneration, to obtain his service honours. The superintendent of the brigade. Mr E. W. McCann, said that he had valued highly Fireman Watt’s experience and knowledge attained by his long service. and» he much regretted losing his services. The matter was one which was cropping up all over New Zealand, said the chairman (Mr W. H. Hall). It had not been fixed up in spite of several conferences, although partial agreements had been reached. Government’s Attitude The Government would like to see ■ n agreement arrived at. but it was •mt "pushing” to make one. said Mr [fall. “I do not think the Government will make a decision, and in the meantime auxiliary firemen are slipping out. which is very unfortunate.” Mr Hall said that he was particularly sorry that Mr Watt was going to leave. He advised Mr Watt not to resign, and told him that the union could sue the board for employing a non-unionist. “My attitude was, let them sue us,” said Mr Hall. Mr McCann said that Mr Watt had attended two fires recently, for which he had received no remuneration. The resignation was received with regret, and Mr Watt’s services were placed on record. His request to remain a voluntary member of the brigade was granted.