MR WALSH ON LIQUOR LAWS Union Expresses Dissatisfaction

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28413, 21 October 1957, Page 10

MR WALSH ON LIQUOR LAWS Union Expresses Dissatisfaction

(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, October 20.

The Otago branch of the New Zealand Musicians’ Union finds itself out of harmony with the president of the Federation of Labour (Mr F. P. Walsh). The cause of the discord is Mr Walsh’s expression of opinion on the licensing laws of the country In a supplied report released after its annual meeting today, the branch states that dt passed a resolution condemning the attitude of Mr Walsh in associating the organised trade union movement of the country with the licensing laws.

The Otago branch has no objection to Mr Walsh going on record speaking either against or in favour of the laws, but it does object most strongly to his trying to use his position as president of the federation to intimate that the organised trade union movement of the country supports prohibition or supports any amendment to the licensing laws; the statement added.

The branch also expresses “grave concern” with the present rates payable to New Zealand musicians who tour the country with overseas companies. It states that there has been a drop of 33 1-3 per cent, in the number of musicians available over the last two years and attributes this to the poor rates paid. The national executive will be asked to take steps to improve the situation.

“Because they cannot get New Zealand musicians, most companies are bringing in Australians, and this is having a detrimental effect,’’ the report states.