PUGNACIOUS UNIONISTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 472, 2 April 1909, Page 5

PUGNACIOUS UNIONISTS.

DISCUSSION AT THE TRADES COUNCIL. PROTEST AGAINST "FISTIC ENCOUNTERS." A portion of the proceedings of the Wellington Trades ami Labour Council last night was more animated than instructive. In regard to tho organisation of the Brick and Tilemakers' Union, a discussion on which, was adjourned last week for the appearance of Mr. M. J. Reunion, Mr. Purchase Wrote earing that tho subject should be adjourned for another week, when certain wiiuus&i's wuu.ci be present. Mr. Rcardon urged that ho was not responsible to tho council or anyone else for his connection with tho Brick and Tileworkers' Union. 11' any jackal chose to bite at his heels, he could look out for kicks. He was not going to give any information. ~ Mr. Dowdall objected to threats, and said that he had heard that there kail already been an assault case over this matter. Tho president ruled that no threat had been uttered. Mr. Reanlon continued that he would give no information, as he considered that the council had 110 authority to deal with tho subject. Mr. W. T. Young was protesting against a "fistic encounter" having been allowed to occur ou the stairs, when he was callcd to order by tho chairman. After further discussion a motion to proceed to the next business was carried. Mr. Purchase came in just in time to see the closure carried, ami wished to move that the business be taken next Thursday. Ho explained that he had been absent on union business. The chairman said that it could be taken without notice as new business next Thursday. Mr. Purchase then said he wished lo move that any member should be allowed to come up the stairs without molestation. Delegates; "Von can't move that." The chairman ruled Mr. Purchase out of order. Mr. Purchase (excitedly): "I protest against tho manner in which delegates aro dealt with in coming up (hose stairs." Mr. Reardon: * And I object to you poking your nose into my business."