MINERS’ NATIONAL OFFICERS

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26523, 11 September 1951, Page 8

MINERS’ NATIONAL OFFICERS

ELECTION THIS WEEK

MESSRS PRENDIVILLE AND CROOK OPPOSED (From Our Own Reporter)

GREYMOUTH. September 10. The election of the national officers of the United Mine Workers of New Zealand is to be held this week by a ballot of miners throughout New Zealand. The election is of significance because of differing views expressed within the organisation during the recent strike.

The election of members of the Grey District Miners* Central Committee is to be held concurrently. The new returning officer is Mr R. Clarke, of Blackball, who was ape minted scrutineer in place of Mr K. cL. Baxter, of Wellington, the secretary of the Federation of Labour. Mr Clarke hopes to be able to announce the result, of the election early next weelc.

Mr A. Prendiville, of Southland, retiring president, is seeking re-election and will be opposed by Mr A. C. Baxter, of Rotowai, North Island, and by Mr J. Harrington, of Runanga. Mr F. Crook, the retiring secretary, will be opposed by Mr R. Ross, of Brunner.

A national ballot will also be held to elect the national delegate to go to Australia next year as the representative of the New Zealand miners. The candidates are Mr A. MacGougan, of Blackball, who went to Australia earlier this year to speak to Australian miners on the strike issues and to obtain financial support for the strikers, Mr D. Mcßea, of Huntly, Mr G. A. Orman, of Buller, and Mr E. Collins, of Dobson.

There are four candidates for the position of president of the Grey Miners’ Central Committee and seven for the two positions of national delegates. Candidates for -the presidency are Messrs F. Baxendale (Runanga), the retiring president, J. White (Dobson), J. McNicol (Blackball), and R. Mitchell (Runanga). Those seeking election as national delegates are Messrs White (Dobson), MacGougan (Blackball), W. Barber (Brunner), H. Browning (Brunher), Mitchell (Runanga), J. Guy (Runanga), and W. Dunn (Inangahua). Messrs White MacGougan were the national delegates last year. Mr R. Ross, of Brunner, has been re-elected unopposed to the position of secretary of the committee.