Farmers’ Head Criticised For Statement On Strikes

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29841, 6 June 1962, Page 15

Farmers’ Head Criticised For Statement On Strikes

(New Zealand Press Association)

DUNEDIN, June 5. The Dominion President of Federated Farmers <Mr W Malcolm) was taken to task tonight by the Otago Trades Council over his suggestion that striking workers should lose their civil rights. Mir Malcolm's statement constituted a sweeping challenge to the rights of the organised trade union movement and the rights of every unionist as a citizen, the president of the council (Mr W. B. Richards) saifi after a meeting of the council tonight. “Mr Malcolm should be told that, because of restrictive legislation already in existence, trade unionists in this country have fewer rights than in any other British country.” he said.

"The restraint and responsibility of the trade union movement in this country is evident by the fact that there have been fewer industrial

disputes here than in almost any other Western nation. “The reference by Mr Malcolm to the rule of law applies both ways. We accept the rule of law as the wish of the people, but we cannot accept any threats of penalties by way of a denial of civil rights. “It is the denial of civil rights that creates a desire for anarchy—a state which Mr Malcolm so despises." Mr Richards said. Next Astronaut.— Major Donald Slayton may be the next American astronaut to go into orbit, space officials said. United Press International reported Major Slayton was scheduled to make the orbital flight on May 24, but he was grounded two months earlier because of an intermittent heart flutter. He is now being given tests.—Washington, June 5