MINISTER AND UNION SECRETARY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3008, 20 February 1917, Page 5

MINISTER AND UNION SECRETARY

SOME PLAIN SPEAKING

, Melbourne, February 9. At a,, deputation this afternoon lively interchanges took place between Senator P. Lynch, Federal Minister for Works and Railways, Und Mr. F. W. Lundie, secretary of tho Adelaide branch, of the Australian Workers' Union. Senator Lynch stated at the outset that it would depend on the personal attitude of the deputation, to him. whether he would hear them at all. Mr. Lundio: We are not coming cap in hand to you, . Senator Lynch. If you won't receive us wo will say "Goodday." ■• Mr. Lundio, among other j-equeste, asked that an inquiry be .held into the dismissal "By Senator Synch of Mr. J. AV. Elliott from the construction works of tho Port Augusta-KalgporEe railway. He said that it occurred after Elliott's name had appeared on the selection list; as a candidate for the Senate. ■ Elliott contended that he was discharged on that account. The Minister read Mr! ; Lundie's statement in the Press suggesting in an interviow that Elliott had been discharged because he was a candidate for Parliament, and asked if Mr. Lundie associated himself with the idea that' Elliott was discharged for political opinions.

Mr. Luudtc: I do on behalf of the A.W.U., because it is UlliotFs statement to that effects I really don't know what was in your mind in discharging him. Senator Lynch: You are scuffling in a contemptible manner.; -Tfiis closes the discission. lam going to run this railway in the interests of the people generally. You went at me in Sydney, but you aro not man enougli to back ur> your expressed opinion.

Mr. Lundie: Will you give us an inquiry? Senator Lynch: Lite yoii, I Trill take tip a neutral attitude.