DISMISSAL OF MR SOUTHON

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26868, 22 October 1952, Page 10

DISMISSAL OF MR SOUTHON

BOARD’S TO STAND INTEREST OF OTHER UNIONS An indication that the dismissal of the secretary of the Tramway Workers’ Union (Mr L. C. J. Southon) from the staff of the Christchurch Transport Board might have repercussions in other unions was given in a statement made yesterday by the secretary of the New Zealand Freezing Workers’ Union (Mr H. G. Kilpatrick). The board, which on Monday had met representatives of the union in committee, yesterday announced that it had confirmed the decision to dismiss Mr Southon, who attended the Peking peace conference and failed to report for duty as a bus driver when his annual leave ended.

“My union has not met to consider this question,” said Mr Kilpatrick, whose comments were made before the board’s decision was announced. “Everyone is hopeful that the matter will be settled without any great bother, but if it is not settled. I for one can see repercussions in other industries where workers share the general resentment at the treatment meted out to Mr Southon. I personally think the board would be well advised quietly to reconsider its decision.” The, secretary of the General Labourers’ Union (Mr J. Shankland) said his union had not so far considered the dismissal of Mr Southon, but there was every likelihood of the matter being raised by the union involved or on his own union’s motion.”

The opinion was held, Mr Shankland said, that the constitutional method of lodging an appeal should be followed. What happened after that was merely a matter for conjecture. In announcing that the dimissal of Mr Southon would stand, the chairman of the Transport Board (Mr F. L. Brandt) said the board’s decision had been unanimous.

Protests from several organisations were considered at the board’s meeting, including some from Auckland unions, and replies had been sent to them all, Mr Brandt said. The executive of the Tramways Union is expected to meet soon. Its first step is expected to be the lodging of an appeal to the Tramway appeal Board against the dismissal of Mr Southon.

PROTEST BY TIMARU A.S.R.S.

“ BREACH OF ATLANTIC CHARTER ” (New Zealand Press Association)

TIMARU, October 21. Support for the organisations opposing the dismissal of the secretary of the Christchurch Tramway Workers’ Union (Mr L. C. J. Southon) was given by a large attendance of members of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants of New Zealand at a recent meeting of the Timaru branch. The following resolution was carried unanimously:— “That the Timaru branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants of New Zealand strongly supports other unions in their endeavours' to thwart the strong-arm tactics employed in the dismissal of Mr Southon, secretary of the Christchurch Tramway Workers’ Union. This constitutes a breach of the Atlantic Charter, and could be a stepping stone to the doing away with the rights and freedom of the individual to think, to worship, and to express his views on all matters for peace and progress in the interests of his fellow man without being dubbed a Communist.”