Victimisation alleged

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32706, 8 September 1971, Page 1

Victimisation alleged

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, September 7. It was abundantly clear that the Government had no intention of doing anything to improve industrial relations, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition (Mr Watt) said tonight.

He was commenting on the refusal of the Government to appoint Mr B. Brooks as an industrial mediator. “On our re'commendation, the Government 12 months ago provided for the appointment of industrial mediators, who were intended to improve industrial relations within specific areas of the economy,” said Mr Watt. •“Nothing has happened since then, and the Government has said that it could not find a suitable person. Yet we find that Mr Brooks had the unanimous endorsement of the Employers’ Federation, the Federation of Labour, and the Secretary of Labour.

“He is employed in a highly responsible position in one of New Zealand's largest companies, and no-one outside Government circles has cast any doubts on his ability to do this very vital job.

“Party member”

“Yet the Government has rejected him because it does not like the fact that he is a member of the Labour Party. Not only that, the Minister of Finance has levelled wild and irresponsible criticisms, which have not been endorsed by any responsible independent authority, against Mr Brooks. "It is easy to see that they are solely concerned with propping up a tired and ineffective Cabinet with extravagant rhetoric. The coun-

try cannot afford the luxury of this sort of situation. "With a crucial issue like this, blatant political victimisation of a man who has the confidence and trust of all sections of industry can do the country nothing but harm.”