AUSTRALIAN DOCKERS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29671, 15 November 1961, Page 15

AUSTRALIAN DOCKERS

Battle For Top Position

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright) SYDNEY, November 14.

A bitter conflict for the top position In the Australian Waterside Workers’ Federation, came to a climax today when 20,000 men in 54 ports began voting. The election is a threesided contest with Communist and militants fighting moderate and Right-wing members of the Australian Labour Party. The key position sought is the general secretaryship which was occupied by a Communist, Mr Jim Healy, who held it for 24 years until he died in July. It is likely that in Sydney several . Left-wing Labour Party members will face charges arising from their indirect support of the Communist candidate, Mr Tom Nelson, who is tipped to win the contest.

The Australian Labour Party regards the winning of this key position so seriously that the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Calwell) and the Federal secretory of the party (Mr W. R. Colbourne) have advised watersiders to vote for the Labour Party candidate, Mr C. H. Fitzgibbons.

Two other candidates are seeking election—Mr F Budd (Independent) and Mr C. Marks, a Left-wing member of the Australian Labour Party. Both men are rank-and-file members of the Sydney branch. The result of Ihe ballot will be officially declared on November 27.