Bus stoppage

Press, 11 April 1984, Page 16

Bus stoppage

Sir,—l enclose a printed notice handed out to bus passengers yesterday. The notice read: “Trade unionists all over the country were shocked and angered by the killing of fellow trade unionist, Ernie Abbott. Trade unionists refuse to be intimidated by violence and will continue to fight for workers’ rights . . . Christchurch bus drivers will be stopping work to participate in the service and the march. We do not apologise for the disruption to the service. We will always respect the memory of fallen comrades, and will continue to fight for workers’ rights, free from violence and intimidation.” I ask whoever wrote this on behalf of the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Tramways Workers’ Union, what evidence there is that their fellow trade unionist, Ernie Abbott, was the victim of intimidation by violence?—Yours, etc., M. E. RITCHIE (Mrs). April 3, 1984.

[Mr C. L. Gower, secretary, Canterbury branch, New Zealand Tramways Union, replies: “There are few more extreme examples of violence than death by bomb explosion. The spate of bomb threats to union offices throughout the country shows that there are people in this country prepared to use threat of violence to intimidate those with whom they disagree. Since the answer to Mrs Ritchie’s question is self-evident, I assume she really intended joining with the great majority of New Zealanders in condemning this outrage, and to ask where she could send her donation to the memorial fund. I assure her, and all others wishing to contribute, that any donations sent to Ernie Abbott Memorial Fund, c Wellington Trades Council, P.O. Box 6303, Wellington, will be gratefully received and properly used.”]