Mr Walsh “Inconsistent”

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29909, 24 August 1962, Page 13

Mr Walsh “Inconsistent”

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Aug. 23. In -asking members of the North Island Electrical Workers’ and t>he Wellington Rubber Workers' Unions not to desert the Federation of Labour, the federation president, Mr F. P. "Walsh, was “grossly inconsistent,” said the secretary of the two unions, Mr A. J. Neary, today. "Mr Walsh did not consider repercussions on the federation when he expelled the Labourers’ Union some months ago," said Mr Neary. “It is quite obvious he de-

sires the Electrical Workers’ and Rubber Workers’ Unions to remain in the federation, but at the same time he wants to dictate who should represent these unions at federation meetings.”

A ballot on the rubber workers' disaffiliation would close on August 30, added Mr Neary. The federation, in replacing a ban on him personally at yesterday's national council meeting, was carrying out his forecast made when the first ban was withdrawn, said Mr Neary.

The first ban had been removed because the federation could not sustain it in the circumstances, which were that he had given evidence in the Supreme Court and must thus be removed from the federation. “However, I forecast then they would find some other excuse to ban me.” Mr Neary said large attendances of members of the Electrical Workers' Union in Waipukurau, Hastings, and Napier yesterday and today unanimously endorsed the decision to Leave the federation.